Uddhav Thackeray Responds to CM Fadnavis on Hindi Mandate in Maharashtra Schools
Synopsis
In a heated exchange, Uddhav Thackeray counters Devendra Fadnavis's claims about mandatory Hindi in Maharashtra schools, revealing political tensions and highlighting the significance of Marathi language advocacy.
Key Takeaways
Uddhav Thackeray defends his administration against accusations of mandating Hindi.
The political clash highlights the significance of Marathi language advocacy.
Thackeray emphasizes the stalling of language policy implementation due to political turmoil.
The debate reflects broader cultural identity issues within Maharashtra.
Mumbai, February 27 (NationPress) The ongoing political clash between Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has escalated regarding the enforcement of mandatory Hindi in schools across Maharashtra.
During a function marking Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din, Thackeray addressed accusations that his earlier administration had sanctioned a report mandating Hindi as a compulsory subject from Class 1.
The dispute was sparked when Fadnavis asserted in the Legislative Assembly that the preceding Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which Thackeray led, had endorsed a committee report advocating for Hindi and English to be obligatory subjects from Class 1 to 12.
Fadnavis cited records from a cabinet meeting held on January 20, 2022, claiming that the recommendations from the Mashelkar Committee were officially ratified under Thackeray's administration.
In response, Thackeray launched a pointed rebuttal, clarifying the sequence of events. He acknowledged receiving the report but highlighted that its implementation was stalled due to the political turmoil that resulted in the collapse of his government.
“I did receive the report; I literally held it in my hands. Yet, the meeting to discuss its implementation never occurred. Before that could take place, your government was busy traveling to Surat and Guwahati to bring down ours,” he remarked.
Thackeray questioned the current administration's fixation on this particular report while dismissing numerous other decisions made by the MVA.
He also criticized the slow progress of constructing the 'Marathi Bhasha Bhavan', pointing out that while BJP offices are rapidly built, the center dedicated to the Marathi language remains incomplete.
Thackeray expressed pride in having made Marathi compulsory during his tenure but lamented that such a requirement is even deemed necessary in Maharashtra.
This exchange underscores the ongoing battle for the pro-Marathi narrative in the state.
Thackeray accused the BJP of merely reiterating old arguments, attempting to present them as factual, while CM Fadnavis insists that the documentary evidence substantiates the MVA's prior agreement to the Hindi language policy.
Point of View
The escalating altercation between prominent political figures Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis over the Hindi language mandate reveals the ongoing tensions within Maharashtra's political landscape. The discourse emphasizes cultural identity and the implications for education policy in the state.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the controversy over mandatory Hindi in Maharashtra schools?
The controversy began when CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the previous MVA government, led by Uddhav Thackeray, had approved a report making Hindi compulsory in schools from Class 1 to 12.
How did Uddhav Thackeray respond to the allegations?
Thackeray countered Fadnavis's claims by clarifying that while he received the report, its implementation was halted due to the political crisis that led to his government's fall.
What did Thackeray say about the construction of Marathi Bhasha Bhavan?
Thackeray criticized the slow progress of the Marathi Bhasha Bhavan, noting that while BJP offices are built quickly, the center for the Marathi language remains unfinished.
