Raj Thackeray Calls for Reversal of Hindi as 3rd Language in Schools

Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) The chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray, expressed strong disapproval on Thursday regarding the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government's initiative to make Hindi a mandatory subject for students in Classes 1 to 5 at Marathi and English schools. He emphasized that "the party will not permit the ongoing attempts by the Centre to impose Hindi across Maharashtra to prevail."

Thackeray further declared that the MNS would not stand for this mandate while urging the state government to promptly retract its decision.

In a post shared on X, he stated: "I urge all my Marathi mothers, sisters, and brothers in Maharashtra, along with my fellow Marathi journalists and media personnel, to denounce and resist this without any discussion! Political parties in Maharashtra that hold even a slight affection for the Marathi language should also oppose this. Today they are imposing languages; tomorrow they may issue other forced decrees."

He continued: "We will not allow the current efforts by the Central government to 'Hindi-fy' everything in our state to succeed. Hindi is not a national language; it is a regional language like many others in the country. Why should it be introduced in Maharashtra from the very start? Whatever your trilingual policy is, confine it to government affairs and keep it out of education.

"This nation was formed with linguistic regions, and they have existed for many years. Why has there been a sudden push to impose the language of another region on Maharashtra?"

“Every language is unique, with its own rich history and tradition. Its dignity should be maintained in the state where it is predominantly spoken. Just as Marathi deserves respect from speakers of other languages in Maharashtra, all language speakers in other states deserve respect too. We ask that Marathi speakers in other states also embrace the language of that state. However, if you choose to disregard this and attempt to disrupt the linguistic heritage of our country, we will not accept it,” asserted the MNS chief.

“We identify as Hindus, but not as Hindi speakers! If you attempt to paint Maharashtra in Hindi, conflict is inevitable. Observing this situation, you might conclude that the government is intentionally fostering this conflict. Is this a strategy to incite division between Marathi and non-Marathi speakers for electoral gain? Non-Marathi speakers in this state must recognize this governmental scheme. It’s not about a genuine love for your language; it’s about political manipulation,” he cautioned.

“Today, the financial situation in the state is grim, with the government lacking funds for essential programs. Marathi youth are eager for employment. The MahaYuti alliance had promised loan waivers before the elections, yet they have failed to deliver. As a result, farmers who expected relief are left disappointed. It feels as if industries are turning their backs on Maharashtra. When there is nothing concrete to say or showcase, the age-old British tactic of divide and rule is being employed, with the government instigating doubts,” the MNS chief remarked.

He further questioned: “Why enforce Hindi in Maharashtra? Would you dare impose Hindi in a southern state like this? If you did, the local governments would react strongly. The state government and its allied parties are silently tolerating this, which is why it is being forced here. We don't care about other states, but the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will not accept this.”

Raj Thackeray insisted that school authorities must recognize that the imposition of Hindi from the first grade will not be tolerated in Maharashtra. Hindi textbooks should not be available for sale in stores or distributed to students in schools.

“Each state should honor only its official language! Will Marathi be mandated from first grade in every state? No, right? So why this compulsion here? I urge the government to refrain from stressing this issue. However, if you proceed to enforce Hindi, conflict is unavoidable, and the government will bear the full responsibility. Thus, the government must respect the sentiments of the populace and immediately retract this decision,” he concluded.