Shiv Sena (UBT) & MNS Unite To Protest Against Imposition Of Hindi In Maharashtra

Mumbai: Maharashtra's state government's push to introduce Hindi as a optional third language in schools from Classes 1 to 5 has sparked strong political backlash, with both Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announcing mass protests against the move.

Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold a rally from Hutatma Chowk to Azad Maidan on July 7, while MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, will march from Girgaon Chowpatty to Azad Maidan on the July 5. The opposition from the Thackeray cousins signals a rare moment of unity, reflecting broad resistance to the perceived imposition of Hindi in the Marathi-speaking state.

Uddhav Thackeray Slams “Language Emergency”

Addressing the media, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP-led state government of trying to divide the nation on linguistic lines and imposing a "language emergency" in Maharashtra.

“We do not hate Hindi or any language, but we will not tolerate the forceful imposition of any language. Maharashtra has always embraced Hindi cinema, culture, and artists—Mumbai nurtured Bollywood. But this is not about respect; this is about coercion,” Thackeray said.

He added, “Our country is a federal structure. States were formed based on language. While I was CM, we had to enforce Marathi because there was encroachment on our language. Now the same people are imposing Hindi. This is a hidden agenda of ‘One Nation, One Leader, One Law’—clearly moving toward authoritarianism.”

He also took a swipe at breakaway Shiv Sena leaders, saying, “It’s time even the traitors who claim Balasaheb’s legacy understand his views—in Marathi.”

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray To Lead Morcha On July 6 Against Hindi Inclusion In Marathi Schools (Video)

Government Responds

In response, School Education Minister Uday Samant claimed that the policy to introduce Hindi as a third language was approved during Uddhav Thackeray's own tenure as Chief Minister under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. He cited recommendations from the Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar Committee, which proposed a tri-language system—Marathi, English, and Hindi—from Classes 1 to 12.

“There is no question of imposition. This is being politicized ahead of municipal elections,” said Samant, asserting that the Thackeray faction was misleading the public for political gain.

Education Minister Clarifies Policy

Education Minister Dada Bhuse also addressed the media, clarifying that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not mandate any third language. He emphasized that from Classes 1 and 2, students will only receive oral exposure to the third language through visuals and interaction—there will be no textbooks or exams. Formal instruction in the third language, including Hindi, would begin only from Class 3.

“The NEP recommends early exposure to languages between ages 2 and 8, which is scientifically supported. Parents will have a choice, and there's no compulsion,” Bhuse said. He added that similar tri-language models already exist in states like Madhya Pradesh and Sikkim.

'Won't Allow Imposition Of Hindi In Maharashtra, BJP Trying To Create Language Divide': Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray (VIDEO)

Sharad Pawar Supports Thackeray Brothers

Veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar weighed in, backing the Thackeray brothers' opposition. “Their concerns are valid. Hindi can be taught after Class 5, but forcing multiple languages at a young age could burden children and push their mother tongue aside,” said Pawar.

He urged the government to reconsider introducing Hindi in early education and warned against undermining Marathi in its own state.