Mumbai, July 4 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said that he raised the "Jai Gujarat" slogan while addressing a gathering in Pune to pay his respects to the Gujarati community present at the program.

Responding to the critiques, Shinde said that those who were criticising him for raising the slogan must look within themselves.

He added that the Mahayuti government has worked hard for Marathi to be granted the status of a classical language.

"Today, there were 3-4 events in Pune where brothers and sisters from the Gujarati community were present; they have been living there for many years. Marathi and Gujarati people live together harmoniously, and they have built a large sports complex. I attended that event...