Archive · 2 Jun 2025
BJP Demands Marathi Names for Penguin Chicks in Mumbai Zoo
Imagine some baby penguins were born at the zoo in Mumbai!
Some people from a political party called BJP think these penguins should get Marathi names, the local language name.
They say because the penguins were born in Maharashtra, they should have Marathi names.
They're asking the people who run the city (BMC) to change the names.
It's a bit like saying if you're born somewhere, your name should match the place's language.
The BJP is hoping this will help them get more votes in the upcoming elections.
The BMC hasn't yet agreed to the name change.
BJP leaders want Marathi names for penguin chicks born at a Mumbai zoo.
The demand is linked to the 'son-of-the-soil' politics and the classical language status of Marathi.
Nitin Bankar, a BJP leader, led the protest and stated that the chicks, born in Maharashtra, should have Marathi names.
Bankar mentioned that repeated appeals to the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) had been ignored.
The demonstration took place before the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections.
- Who
- BJP leaders, including Nitin Bankar, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- What
- Demand for Marathi names for penguin chicks.
- When
- Before Mumbai civic body elections; article published on June 2, 2025.
- Where
- Mumbai zoo (Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo).
- Why
- BJP wants to highlight the Marathi language and potentially gain political ground before elections.
BMC Stance
BJP's Stance
Naming Preference
BMC Stance
Unspecified
BJP's Stance
Wants Marathi names for penguin chicks born at the zoo, arguing they are natives of Maharashtra.
- Location
- Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo (Rani Baug)
- City
- Mumbai
- Subject
- Penguin chicks
- Language Requested
- Marathi
- Party
- BJP