Will Uddhav Thackeray Stand Against the Trilingual Formula in Maharashtra?

Mumbai, July 18 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray firmly expressed his disagreement with the enforcement of Hindi under the trilingual formula starting from grade 1 in Maharashtra.

At a press conference held in Vidhan Bhavan following the conclusion of the monsoon session of the state legislature, he stated, “We will not tolerate the forced implementation of a three-language policy in Maharashtra.”

Thackeray emphasized that his collaboration with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on the same platform after several years should be interpreted as a sign of a long-term alliance. He remarked, “No elections are currently announced. If one is declared, we can discuss it.”

Regarding the government's initiative to establish a committee for crop loan waivers, Thackeray criticized the administration for not taking its electoral commitments seriously. He stated, “I had announced a farm loan waiver myself. We began implementing it, but the government was toppled.” He questioned the current ministers' dedication to the subject: “I did it in my first session, without prior experience. You are ministers, you have departments – what study are you doing for loan waiver?”

He also expressed concern over the increasing debt burden on the state, asking, “How is this mountain of debt going to be repaid?” With a smile, he added, “My face is always cheerful; I haven’t slaughtered a bull,” in response to comments on his stance.

Reflecting on the three-week monsoon session of the legislature, he observed, “There were several questions about public issues, but the Chief Minister’s speech was like a child asking his mother for ice cream. Nothing happens now, but something may happen in the future — that’s what he said.”

Thackeray criticized the budgetary allocations, saying, “There is more focus on demands for supplies. The debt of the state is growing. How are you going to reduce it? What about your beloved brother-sister schemes? There are no answers. Nearly Rs 64,000 crore is being paid in the form of interest.”

Commenting on the altercation between supporters of two legislators in the Vidhan Bhavan lobby, Thackeray remarked, “There was a scuffle in Vidhan Bhavan just yesterday. The Speaker has ordered a high-level inquiry. But how did these goons get the courage? It is good to talk about action, but what allowed this to happen?” He also expressed dismay over the recent disturbance in the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, claiming it has damaged the state's reputation.

“The image of Maharashtra has gone down in the country after the incident in the legislature,” he noted, adding that the behavior of those in power was tarnishing the state’s dignity. When asked about comparisons between the scuffle and lawlessness in other states, Thackeray remarked, “I will not say that such scuffles are bringing UP-Bihar culture to Maharashtra. There are good people in those states as well. We should not malign the image of an entire state because of some bad elements.”

He further asserted, “This is not governance, it is arrogance born out of power. The ‘chaddi gang’ thinks they are Mike Tyson. These people roam around with teeth in their necks – how have they become so audacious? Will no one question them?”

Thackeray accused the government of widespread corruption, stating, “Crop insurance has been cancelled. The Supreme Court has flagged a Rs 3,000 crore scam, and yet the thief is roaming free.” He suggested that the law and order condition had deteriorated to the point where “President’s Rule should be imposed if such things happen inside the legislature.” Thackeray took a jab at the government, describing its operations as “a fantasy amusement park.”