Why is Ramdas Athawale Criticizing Raj & Uddhav Thackeray Over Hindi?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale defends Hindi as India's national language while criticizing Maharashtra leaders Raj and Uddhav Thackeray for their opposition. His comments come amidst ongoing debates about language policies in the state, highlighting the importance of Hindi in the constitutional framework.
Key Takeaways
- Hindi is endorsed as a national language.
- Opposition to Hindi is viewed as unconstitutional.
- Regional leaders are urged to recognize Hindi's significance.
- Political protests reflect ongoing tensions in Maharashtra.
- Unity among diverse languages is crucial for national integrity.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has strongly advocated for Hindi as the national language, taking a jab at Maharashtra's leaders Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray for their politicization of the language debate.
In an interview with IANS in Mumbai, Athawale labeled the resistance to Hindi as “unconstitutional” and urged the Maharashtra government to withstand political pressures.
Commenting on MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s call for a major protest on June 6 against the imposition of Hindi in schools, Athawale said, “Raj Thackeray is a political party leader and has the right to protest in a democracy. However, Hindi is our national language. Opposing Hindi equates to opposing the Constitution. We honor Marathi, but teaching Hindi in one or two subjects will not harm anyone.”
In response to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's announcement of a protest on July 7, accusing the BJP of using language policy as a propaganda tool, Athawale dismissed the allegations.
“There is no BJP propaganda. This is the agenda of the Constitution. Every state honors its language—be it Tamil, Odia, or Bengali. However, Hindi serves as a common language across various states. Uddhav and Raj should not oppose it,” he stated.
Athawale also supported Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for not signing the SCO summit declaration due to the omission of critical references to terrorism. “Rajnath Singh is a prominent leader. The events in Pahalgam and Pakistan’s involvement should have been included in the document. He made the right choice by refusing to sign,” he remarked.
On Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praising PM Modi, despite criticism from party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Athawale commented, “In matters of national security, everyone should unite behind the PM. Tharoor is a senior figure and rightly acknowledged Operation Sindoor. However, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge's opposition stems from their dislike for PM Modi.”
Addressing Rahul Gandhi's accusations of unfair elections in Maharashtra, Athawale countered, “There was no rigging. The rise in voter turnout was a natural occurrence. Rahul Gandhi is spreading unfounded lies.”
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that language is a vital aspect of our cultural identity. While the opposition to Hindi by certain Maharashtra leaders highlights regional sentiments, it is essential to approach the matter with a balanced perspective that respects the Constitution and promotes unity among the diverse languages spoken across India.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ramdas Athawale's stance on Hindi?
Ramdas Athawale supports Hindi as the national language and criticizes the opposition to it as unconstitutional.
Why are Raj and Uddhav Thackeray protesting?
They are protesting against the imposition of Hindi in schools, claiming it undermines regional languages.
What did Athawale say about the protests?
He acknowledged the Thackerays' right to protest but emphasized that opposing Hindi is akin to opposing the Constitution.
How did Athawale react to the allegations of BJP propaganda?
He dismissed the claims, stating that promoting Hindi aligns with constitutional agendas and is not political propaganda.
What are the implications of this language debate?
The language debate reflects deeper regional sentiments and could impact political dynamics in Maharashtra.
