<h1>Marathi language and regional identity defended as legitimate amid criticism of characterising language protest as a 'disease.'</h1> Raj Thackeray criticised the RSS chief's description of language protest as a 'disease,' asserting that defence of Marathi language and regional identity is legitimate and widespread, fuelled by perceived cultural displacement and outsider arrogance; he urged the RSS not to take implicit political stances and warned Maharashtra will respond strongly to threats to linguistic identity, while the BJP rebutted that RSS participation is voluntary and cautioned that language should be a medium of communication, not a cause of conflict.