Assaulted by MNS MLAs for not taking oath in Marathi, Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Asim Azmi has started taking classes to learn the language and is confident of facing Raj Thackeray in a TV debate in Marathi next year.

“I have hired a tutor to learn Marathi,” Azmi said. “I had also hired a tutor for Marathi five years ago but then I was in Parliament and there was no need for Marathi. Now, after entering the state Assembly, I realise that one must learn Marathi. I am taking classes for an hour or so daily.”

Asked if he was confident that he would learn enough Marathi to participate in a TV debate with Raj Thackeray next year, Azmi said: “Yes, I am sure I will be able to take part in the debate.”

Azmi said it was necessary for an MLA in Maharashtra to know Marathi. “I respect Marathi. But Hindi should also become widely used,” he said.