The Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools has sparked a strong backlash from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who hinted that the issue could bring him and his estranged cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, together in defence of the Marathi language and identity.
Raj Thackeray met Education Minister Dada Bhuse and clearly rejected the government’s justification for the move. He said that if the government truly wanted to follow the National Education Policy (NEP), it should focus on adding meaningful subjects like sports and the arts at the primary level instead of Hindi.
“If this government really wants to work for education, then focus on real subjects that benefit students,” he said. “Introducing Hindi like this is nothing but an attempt to impose it on Maharashtra.”
He announced a protest march to be held on July 6, starting from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. Thackeray said the march was meant to send a strong message to the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government.
“This isn’t about personal rivalries. This is about Maharashtra,” said Raj Thackeray. “I will personally invite all parties and leaders—including Uddhav Thackeray—to join us. The Marathi manoos comes first. We will also ask Marathi writers and artists to participate. And we will remember who joins us and who doesn’t. That will make things clear.”
He explained that July 6 was chosen deliberately because it’s a Sunday, making it easier for parents and students to take part in the march.
“We are not against any language. But in Maharashtra, students in Class I should be taught only in Marathi. We are very clear about this, and I have told the Education Minister the same,” he added.
After his meeting with Raj Thackeray, Education Minister Dada Bhuse briefed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar about the concerns raised. It remains to be seen if the government will revise its decision, especially with opposition parties preparing to mobilize support around the language issue.
