Is Hindi Being Imposed in Maharashtra Due to Central Pressure and RSS Influence?
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut raises concerns over the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra's schools, accusing the Centre and RSS of pressuring the state government. As protests loom, alliances are forming among political leaders to defend the Marathi language. Will this lead to a unified front for Marathi speakers?
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Raut criticizes the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools.
- The decision is linked to pressure from the Centre and RSS.
- Protests are being organized to defend the Marathi language.
- Key political alliances are forming in response to this issue.
- The future of Marathi identity is at stake amidst these developments.
Mumbai, June 28 (NationPress) Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut stated that the Mahayuti government has imposed Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5, attributing this decision to pressure from the Centre and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Raut intensified his criticism of both the Centre and the Mahayuti government for forcing Hindi into the state's educational curriculum.
He also recalled that senior RSS figure Bhayyaji Joshi had recently commented that Marathi is not the language of Mumbai.
According to Raut, pressure from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh compelled the state government to adopt a three-language policy, mandating Hindi in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5. The Fadnavis administration has already issued a resolution to this effect under pressure from the Centre.
He accused the state government of working to undermine the Marathi language due to this pressure.
Responding to the BJP's assertion that the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government had appointed a high-level committee recommending the inclusion of Marathi, English, and Hindi, Raut remarked, "The BJP is spreading misinformation. Is establishing a committee a crime?"
"The Centre has forced the trilingual policy on the state. While Uddhav Thackeray accepted the report, did he issue a Government Resolution (GR)?" Raut questioned.
"Who authorized the GR regarding Hindi as the third language? It was the Fadnavis government that did so," he clarified.
Raut challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to release the high-level committee's report that the BJP has cited to target Uddhav Thackeray.
He announced, "The government resolution concerning the imposition of Hindi will be burned at the morcha," referring to a protest scheduled for July 5, where estranged siblings Shiv Sena UBT Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray will unite against the imposition of Hindi while advocating for the protection of the Marathi language.
Raut mentioned that Sharad Pawar has expressed his support for the upcoming morcha and indicated that the Congress party, along with various organizations including Dalit Panthers and Left parties, will also participate. He expressed optimism that the morcha would yield positive results.
"We aim for the Marathi factions to collaborate for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Elections. Previously, leaders from Shiv Sena UBT and MNS did not interact, but they are now engaging and discussing. There will be a constructive atmosphere following the morcha. I firmly believe the unity of Marathi speakers will endure," he asserted.
In contrast, state BJP chief spokesman Keshav Upadhye remarked that Uddhav Thackeray had initiated the formation of a committee for the action taken report.
Upadhye dismissed claims that the decision regarding Hindi was imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as laughable.
He further criticized Uddhav Thackeray for prioritizing the construction of Urdu Bhavan over Marathi Bhasha Bhavan during his tenure and questioned his commitment to Marathi education in Mumbai amid declining numbers of Marathi schools and students.
"Where was their commitment to Marathi then?" he asked. Upadhye expressed confidence that people would support developmental initiatives.
Point of View
It is essential to consider the diverse perspectives involved. While some view the inclusion of Hindi in schools as a necessity for national integration, others see it as a threat to regional identity. As the debate intensifies, it is crucial to strike a balance that respects linguistic diversity while fostering unity.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue regarding language policy in Maharashtra?
The main issue revolves around the introduction of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5, which is claimed to be imposed by the Centre and RSS.
What are the implications of this decision?
The decision has sparked widespread protests and concerns about the preservation of the Marathi language and identity in Maharashtra.
Who are the key political figures involved in this controversy?
Key figures include Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray, and BJP's Keshav Upadhye, among others.
When are the protests scheduled?
The protests, referred to as the morcha, are scheduled for July 5, and will see participation from various political leaders and organizations.
What is the stance of the BJP on this issue?
The BJP claims that the decision was initiated by Uddhav Thackeray's previous government and dismisses allegations of imposition by the Centre.
