NewKerala.com

Key Points

Uddhav Thackeray has strongly opposed the Maharashtra government's push to make Hindi compulsory in schools. He accused the BJP of having a "hidden agenda" and urged Marathi-speaking citizens to unite against the move. Thackeray also criticized the BJP's leadership, questioning the authenticity of its Marathi members. The issue could escalate if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis doesn't reverse the decision.

Key Points: Uddhav Thackeray Vows to Block Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra

  • Thackeray accuses BJP of forcing Hindi in Maharashtra schools
  • Calls for Marathi leaders, athletes, and lawyers to resist the move
  • Slams BJP for "hidden agenda" behind language policy
  • Warns NCERT books will replace Bal Bharati textbooks
2 min read

Won't allow imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray opposes BJP's Hindi push in Maharashtra schools, calls for Marathi unity against "hidden agenda."

Won't allow imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
"We are not against the language. We are against its imposition. — Uddhav Thackeray"

Mumbai, June 26

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that he will not allow the imposition of Hindi as a third language in English and Marathi medium schools in Maharashtra.

"We have strongly opposed Hindi and its imposition in the state. In how many states is the three-language formula implemented? Why the state government is keen to impose Hindi in Maharashtra? Why the state government is not following a one-language formula? Why are you forcing Hindi? That means you have a monopoly. BJP national president JP Nadda had earlier made a promise about this," said Thackeray, reiterating that he will not allow the imposition of Hindi language in the state.

"We are not against the language. We are against its imposition. There is a hidden agenda in this move. I am appealing to all Marathi people to join this fight," said Thackeray at the press conference.

"The personalities from the Marathi industry, athletes, and lawyers should come out opposing the imposition of Hindi. Literary people have already opposed it. Whoever is Marathi should join this movement. Even genuine Marathi people in the BJP should join this movement," said Thackeray.

He took a dig at the BJP, saying that "finding genuine people in the party is a subject of research".

Thackeray clarified that if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis decides Hindi will not be made compulsory, this issue will be over in five minutes.

"We will hold a meeting of civil society organisations and representatives on Sunday. The government decision of April 16 used the word mandatory; in the decision of June 17, the word mandatory was changed to the word general. It has the same meaning. And the Chief Secretary's circular on June 6 made National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books mandatory. Bal Bharati will disappear in a few years," Thackeray said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
As a proud Maharashtrian, I fully support Uddhav Thackeray's stand. Why force Hindi when Marathi is our mother tongue? Every state should have the right to preserve its linguistic identity. This is about cultural preservation, not politics. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I understand the sentiment, we must remember Hindi is our national language. Learning it helps in national integration. But yes, imposition is wrong - it should be optional. Balance is key!
A
Amit S.
This is pure political drama before elections. Both BJP and Shiv Sena are playing the language card for votes. Meanwhile, our education system continues to suffer with outdated methods. Focus on quality education, not language wars!
S
Sunita P.
As someone who studied in Maharashtra schools, I learned Marathi, Hindi AND English. It never felt like imposition but an advantage! Today I can communicate across India because of this. The problem isn't the languages but how they're taught.
V
Vikram D.
Thackeray is right about one thing - no language should be forced. But instead of opposing Hindi completely, why not push for better Marathi education first? Many Marathi medium schools lack proper infrastructure. Fix that before fighting language battles.
N
Neha T.
Interesting how politicians suddenly become language warriors when elections approach! Where was this concern when Marathi was being sidelined in Mumbai's private sector? Real protection of Marathi culture needs more than press conferences. 🧐
M
Mahesh R.
As a parent, I

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50