Mumbai’s brand new mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar has a brand new agenda.
Actually, the agenda is an old one and has been around for several years. But Mahadeshwar has taken the initiative by insisting on speaking in Marathi when spoken to. The BMC's general administration has issued circulars in the past making the use of Marathi mandatory in all matters pertaining to the civic administration. However, this diktat has never been followed in spirit.
Shiv Sena mayors in the past too have not adhered to the 'only Marathi' rule but Mahadeshwar seems to be keen on following the rule. He has even issued directives asking other departments to stick to Marathi. As for himself, he says mediapersons can ask him questions in any language of their choice, but his answers will be restricted to Marathi.