Why Is the July 5 Uddhav-Raj Joint Morcha Canceled?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government's abrupt withdrawal of its Hindi imposition policy has led to the cancellation of a significant joint morcha involving Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. This decision, perceived as a triumph for Marathi unity, raises questions about the political dynamics at play in Maharashtra. Explore the details behind this pivotal decision.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government cancels Hindi as third language for classes 1-5.
- Joint morcha involving Thackerays is canceled amid protests.
- Committee led by Narendra Jadhav to review language policy.
- Marathi remains compulsory, Hindi becomes optional.
- Political responses highlight the significance of regional languages.
Mumbai, June 29 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut declared on Sunday that the planned joint morcha featuring party leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray, scheduled for July 5 in Mumbai, will not occur following the Maharashtra government's decision to retract the implementation of Hindi as a third language after Marathi and English for grades 1 to 5.
In a post on X, Raut stated: “The cancellation of the Hindi imposition government order is a triumph for Marathi unity. The fear of the Thackerays uniting is palpable. Although the joint march on July 5 is now canceled, Thackeray's influence remains! A prudent decision by Fadnavis. Excellent.”
Raut's statement followed the announcement by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the establishment of a committee led by former planning commission member Narendra Jadhav to formulate a report on the trilingual formula prioritizing the interests of Marathi students.
The state Cabinet also decided to annul two government resolutions issued on April 16 and June 17, reaffirming that while Marathi is now mandatory, Hindi will be offered as an optional language. The committee has been allotted three months to prepare its report.
The initial resolution from April 16 had suggested making Hindi a compulsory third language in Marathi and English schools for grades 1 to 5, but this was postponed due to widespread protests. A revised resolution on June 17 mandated Marathi in all schools and allowed students to opt for any Indian language other than Hindi, provided at least 20 students in each grade expressed interest.
This indicates the government will not pursue a trilingual policy until the Narendra Jadhav committee submits its findings. Therefore, Hindi will not serve as a third language in grades 1 to 5 for Marathi and English schools at this time.
Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray, alongside Raut and other party figures including Aaditya Thackeray and Arvind Sawant, participated in a symbolic burning of the government resolutions regarding Hindi's introduction as a third language. Thackeray emphasized that while his party is not opposed to the Hindi language, it strongly condemns what he termed a 'linguistic emergency.'
In parallel, Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena remarked that the government ultimately rescinded its decision to enforce Hindi as a third language starting from first grade. “The cancellation of the two government resolutions cannot be deemed a belated realization; rather, it was a response to the demands of the Marathi populace. The motives behind the government's insistence on Hindi remain unclear,” he asserted.
He further stated that the government's decision is conclusive and his party will not support the operations of the Narendra Jadhav committee.
Point of View
The cancellation of the joint morcha underscores the complex interplay of language politics in Maharashtra. The government's retraction of the Hindi imposition reflects the influential voices advocating for regional languages and the broader sentiment among the Marathi populace. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for grasping the ongoing political shifts in the state.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the joint morcha canceled?
The joint morcha was canceled due to the Maharashtra government's decision to revoke its policy of introducing Hindi as a third language in schools.
What is the significance of this decision?
The decision is seen as a victory for Marathi unity and reflects the pressure from the Marathi community against Hindi imposition.
Who is leading the new committee formed by the government?
The new committee is headed by former planning commission member Narendra Jadhav, tasked with developing a report on the trilingual formula.
What changes were made to the language policy?
The language policy changes state that Marathi is now compulsory in schools, while Hindi is optional, allowing for other Indian languages to be offered based on student demand.
How did the Thackerays respond to these developments?
Both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray expressed strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi, emphasizing their commitment to preserving Marathi language rights.
