Did the Government Face Defeat Against the Power of 'Marathi Manoos' Over Hindi as an Optional Language?
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Synopsis
Uddhav Thackeray asserts that the government's withdrawal of Hindi as a mandatory language reflects the unity and strength of the Marathi community. As the debate on language education continues, he emphasizes the importance of preserving Marathi identity and standing against coercion. This article explores the implications of the government's recent decisions and the response from the Marathi populace.
Key Takeaways
- Uddhav Thackeray claims the strength of the Marathi community prevailed against government coercion.
- The government has rescinded its resolutions regarding Hindi as a compulsory language.
- A victory march is planned for July 5 to celebrate the unity of Marathi speakers.
- Thackeray emphasizes the importance of preserving Marathi identity.
- The BJP's tactics of creating divisions within communities are being challenged.
Mumbai, June 29 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray stated on Sunday that the government’s might was overshadowed by the strength of 'Marathi Manoos' concerning the controversial proposal to introduce Hindi as a third language alongside Marathi and English for students in grades 1 to 5.
His comments followed the announcement by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the cancellation of two government resolutions, which initially mandated Hindi as a compulsory language and later as an optional language within the trilingual framework.
A committee led by former Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav has been established to draft a report on the trilingual policy.
“The mandate for Hindi has been rescinded. A decision regarding whether to hold a march or a victory gathering on July 5 in Mumbai will be made in two days after discussions with everyone. I urge all to join. The committee led by Narendra Jadhav is inconsequential. Regardless of who forms a committee, they cannot enforce Hindi. The mandate is over, and it will not be allowed,” said Thackeray at a press briefing. Uddhav Thackeray also declared his intention to join his estranged brother, Raj Thackeray, founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, in a march planned for July 5 in Mumbai to protest against the imposition of Hindi and to advocate for the preservation of the Marathi language in the state.
“The Marathi populace united and rose up. Now that the government resolutions concerning Hindi have been annulled, it is to prevent Marathi unity. However, this solidarity among Marathi individuals must persist,” asserted Thackeray.
“The BJP's covert agenda was to divide the Marathi community and attract non-Marathi voters by stirring up the Marathi vs. Non-Marathi debate. The positive development is that Marathi individuals have taken a rational stance. They do not oppose the Hindi language but oppose coercion. Since there was a movement against such coercion, division did not occur. The government mistakenly believed that dividing the Marathi populace would be advantageous,” claimed Thackeray. He accused the BJP of becoming a source of lies and misinformation.
“Spreading falsehoods, fabricating stories, and garnering votes has become the BJP's trade. They have been thwarted. I urge the Marathi community not to await a crisis. Maintain this stance. We were initially planning a march against coercion on July 5, but now we are organizing a victory march. The location will be decided soon,” he stated.
Thackeray acknowledged that during his term as chief minister, a committee led by renowned scientist Raghunath Mashelkar was established following the announcement of the New Education Policy. “After its report was released, we formed a study group regarding it. However, not a single meeting of that group took place. Subsequently, the government fell. Hence, the BJP is spreading lies,” he remarked.
He refuted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's assertion that the decision to implement the trilingual policy originated during Uddhav Thackeray's administration.
Point of View
It's critical to recognize the profound implications of Uddhav Thackeray's statements regarding the government's decisions on language education. The withdrawal of Hindi as a compulsory language reflects not only a political maneuver but also a response to the collective voice of the Marathi community, emphasizing the significance of regional identity in a diverse nation.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the controversy over Hindi as a language in Maharashtra?
The controversy arose from the government's proposal to introduce Hindi as a third language in schools, which many in the Marathi community viewed as an imposition on their linguistic heritage.
What was Uddhav Thackeray's stance on the government's decision?
Uddhav Thackeray strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi, asserting that the Marathi community united against coercion and that the government's withdrawal of resolutions was a victory for them.
What actions are being planned in response to the government's decision?
Thackeray has called for a victory march on July 5 in Mumbai, urging the Marathi community to participate in celebrating their linguistic heritage.
How does the current situation reflect on the BJP's strategy?
Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to create divisions within the Marathi community to attract non-Marathi voters, asserting that the Marathi populace has responded sensibly by opposing coercion rather than the Hindi language itself.
What is the significance of the trilingual formula committee?
The committee, led by Narendra Jadhav, aims to develop a report on the trilingual formula, which has stirred significant debate regarding language education policies in Maharashtra.
