Will the Upcoming Monsoon Session of Maharashtra Legislature Spark Heated Debates Over Hindi Language and Shaktipeeth?

Mumbai, June 28 (NationPress) A fierce debate is brewing over the introduction of Hindi in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5. Additionally, the land acquisition protests for the Rs 86,300 crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, discussions surrounding the Public Security Act post-joint select committee review, the impact of unseasonal rains on agriculture, and calls for a loan waiver are set to dominate the agenda of the three-week monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature commencing on June 30 in Mumbai.

The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, indicated that the government is prepared for the discussions, with the session scheduled to run until July 18 as per the Business Advisory Committee's agenda.

Meanwhile, Ambadas Danve, the Leader of the Opposition in the state council, stated that opposition parties aim to hold the government accountable on various issues, highlighting its perceived inaction.

Both ruling and opposition factions are gearing up for a contentious debate regarding the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in the state curriculum. The MahaYuti government asserts that Marathi is compulsory while Hindi remains optional.

In a show of unity, the Shiv Sena UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have organized a march against the enforcement of Hindi and are rallying support from other parties to protect the Marathi language.

The Shiv Sena (Thackeray), Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) are expected to adopt a confrontational stance regarding the three-language formula put forth by the grand alliance government.

Notably, NCP national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has expressed opposition to teaching Hindi from grades 1 to 5, advocating for its introduction starting from the fifth standard instead.

The Chief Minister is anticipated to provide further clarification on the state government’s position during the debate.

Additionally, a clash between ruling and opposition parties is likely concerning the state Cabinet’s recent approval of Rs 20,000 crore for the design and land acquisition of the 802-km six-lane Shaktipeeth Expressway, which will connect 18 pilgrimage sites, including three and a half Shaktipeeths, two Jyotirlingas, and Pandharpur Ambejogai. This project will traverse 12 districts. However, farmers have already intensified their protests against the land acquisition, with opposition parties claiming that the project benefits contractors.

Farmers from 12 districts are set to engage in a coordinated protest against the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg on July 1, with opposition parties backing their cause and urging the government to reconsider the project in light of farmers’ interests.

The opposition accuses the MahaYuti government of failing to fulfill its election promise regarding farm loan waivers. The Shiv Sena UBT, Congress, and MCP (SP) have alleged that while the government allocates substantial funds for infrastructure, it neglects to provide loan waivers. However, the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule have stated that a decision will be made at the appropriate time.

Bawankule mentioned that the government intends to announce the formation of a high-level committee on loan waivers during the monsoon session.

Furthermore, the opposition has criticized the government for its inadequate response to farmers affected by the unseasonal rains experienced in May across Maharashtra. They have resolved to scrutinize Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for his recent remarks on loan waivers and the assessment of damaged crops.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the assessments are ongoing and that the government is dedicated to providing financial assistance to farmers.

The opposition is also poised to challenge the government regarding the Public Security Act, with the joint select committee, led by Bawankule, having completed its review. The committee suggests revising the objective from 'certain unlawful activities of individuals and organisations' to 'certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organisations or similar entities.'

The committee has removed the reference to urban naxals, previously included in the bill introduced by the state government during the last winter session. Bawankule is hopeful that the revised bill will pass during the monsoon session, despite opposition calls for additional clarifications regarding its implementation.

In the meantime, Jayant Patil, the state NCP (SP) chief and legislator from Islampur in Sangli district, expressed hope that the Speaker will limit the number of calling attention motions to ensure orderly proceedings.

Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in