Jaya has not opposed Marathi: Deshmukh

Maharashtra Govt absolved actress Jaya Bachchan of the charge of making anti-Marathi remarks and said her apology should bring an end to the controversy.

Maharashtra government on Tuesday absolved actress Jaya Bachchan of the charge of making anti-Marathi remarks and said her apology should bring an end to the controversy.

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Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said "there is nothing wrong with anyone speaking in Hindi as it is the national language".

"She (Jaya) has not opposed Marathi," Deshmukh told reporters at his hometown Latur in Marathwada region.

Jaya had recently said since she is from Uttar Pradesh, she would prefer to speak in Hindi and Marathis should forgive her for this, triggering protests from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which accused her of making anti-Marathi remarks.

Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil said "Jaya Bachchan has tendered her apology and that should draw curtains on the controversy".

He said police would verify the transcripts of remarks by Raj Thackeray and Jaya Bachchan and proceed accordingly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil said.

Patil, who also holds the Home portfolio, warned no one will be allowed to take law into their hands, a reference to the MNS chief's threat to stop release of films starring the Bachchans till Jaya apologised over her alleged anti-Marathi remarks.