Mumbai, April 18 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Congress has accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of attempting to undermine the Marathi language, identity, and culture by making Hindi a mandatory subject for students in classes 1 to 5 in both English and Marathi medium schools.

The state unit leader, Harshwardhan Sapkal, stated, “The Marathi language represents the identity and culture of Maharashtra, and the BJP government is working to diminish this very essence. India’s true identity lies in its unity in diversity, and the BJP is plotting to erase this. The move to enforce Hindi as a required language from the primary level is entirely misguided and should be revoked immediately.”

“On one side, there are discussions about granting Marathi the status of a classical language, while on the other, actions are being taken to diminish its significance - this is a clear contradiction. Language transcends mere communication; it is a form of cultural expression. How can students be expected to grasp other subjects when they are overwhelmed with three essential languages? This requirement will rob children of core knowledge. Regional languages deserve respect. Although all languages warrant appreciation, the BJP’s goal appears to be the eradication of regional cultures and languages. This decision may also jeopardize the employment of teachers specializing in other languages. The BJP's agenda of promoting a Hindu, Hindi, and Hindu Rashtra is unacceptable, and Congress staunchly opposes such mandates,” added Sapkal.

Sapkal further questioned, “Why is there a strong resistance to Hindi in South India, yet it is being imposed in Maharashtra? Is this language enforcement a tactic to divide the nation? Are Marathi speakers not Hindus?” He elaborated that the BJP is making an effort to erase the very language in which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established his Hindavi Swarajya — this is a direct affront.

This statement from Sapkal follows comments from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who staunchly defended the state government’s decision.

“We have already put the new education policy into action. Hence, no new decisions have been made concerning this. We believe that everyone in Maharashtra should be proficient in Marathi. Moreover, we advocate for a unified language of communication across the nation. Hindi can serve as that language. Therefore, it is essential for people to learn Hindi; this is our initiative,” he stated.

In contrast, Raj Thackeray, the head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, declared that his party will not accept this compulsion. He urged the state government to promptly retract this decision, warning that if it is not rescinded, a struggle is unavoidable.

Meanwhile, addressing the heinous murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district, Sapkal remarked, “The world has witnessed this barbaric act. Groups such as the Aaka Gang and Khoke Gang are active in Beed, and atrocities in the district persist without end.”

“In Ambajogai, a young female lawyer practicing in the Sessions Court was brutally beaten by the village sarpanch and his associates in a field after she lodged a formal complaint regarding noise pollution in the area. They assaulted her with sticks and iron rods, leaving her unconscious. Alarmingly, she was discharged from the hospital just one night later. This incident is shockingly cruel and shameful. If even a lawyer is not safe, what about regular women?” he questioned, demanding that if the government has any sense of shame left, it must immediately file a case, apprehend the culprits, and ensure stringent punishment.