FROM IDENTITY TO INSTRUMENT: LINGUISTIC POLITICS OF MARATHI IDENTITY IN MAHARASHTRA (1966–PRESENT)

Abstract

Language in Maharashtra has evolved from a marker of cultural identity into a powerful instrument of political mobilization. Within the broader framework of Indian federalism, regionalism and identity politics, this study examines how Marathi is used to construct political narratives, shape public opinion and redefine regional identity. The origins of contemporary linguistic politics can be traced to the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and the formation of Maharashtra in 1960, which formalized Marathi identity and generated expectations of social and economic mobility among Marathi speakers. However, the gap between symbolic recognition and material opportunities, particularly in Mumbai, created conditions for the politicization of Marathi identity. Adopting a qualitative approach and discourse analysis of political speeches, party manifestos, media narratives and political campaigns, the study examines Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), with particular attention to Bal Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. The findings indicate that language is used to construct “us–them” distinctions and portray Marathi speakers as economically disadvantaged and culturally vulnerable. Linguistic mobilization cannot be explained by migration or demographic change alone; rather, economic insecurity, labour-market transformation, employment competition and perceived threats have been politically transformed into identity-based grievances. The study further identifies a shift from Bal Thackeray’s emotionally charged rhetoric to Raj Thackeray’s media-oriented and confrontational style, demonstrating the adaptability of linguistic politics to changing communication technologies and social contexts.