Language no barrier

Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is known for his communication skills in English but he has surprised Congress party members by deciding to speak in Marathi, a language in which he is noticeably less comfortable. Within the state this is considered a move to deny Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s Raj Thackeray a chance to attack him on grounds of not being a bonafide Marathi manoos — and simultaneously keep him in good humour since he has unwittingly played a major role in keeping the ruling Congress and NCP in power.