To hold joint rally over Hindi language row on July 5; Uddhav says 'Language Emergency' in Maharashtra; Sharad Pawar extends support
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint rally in Mumbai on July 5 amid the ongoing Hindi language row in Maharashtra. Earlier, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav announced a rally on July 6 and MNS chief Raj would hold one on July 7.
Meanwhile, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar has also supported the Thackeray brothers saying, "Hindi should not be made compulsory from class 1 in Maharashtra. If any new language is to be introduced, it should be started only after class 5."
The Maharashtra government had made Hindi the third compulsory language in April this year. After opposition, they changed the decision. Students studying from class 1 to 5 can choose other Indian languages besides Hindi as the third language.
Raj Thackeray had held a meeting with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis earlier this month. Meanwhile, Fadvanis said that he was not interested in the speculation regarding the two reuniting.
Not against Hindi, but imposing it is not right says Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the Mahayuti government's decision is like declaring a 'Language Emergency' in the state. The former Chief Minister said that his party does not oppose Hindi as a language, but is against imposing it in Maharashtra.
He said that by doing this, the Mahayuti wants to 'poison the harmony' between Marathi and Hindi speaking people for their politics. Uddhav further said that Shiv Sena (UBT) will continue its protest against the government's decision until it is withdrawn.
Government should know what Maharashtra wants says Raj
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said on June 26, "Our party will hold a rally. The government should know what Maharashtra wants. Maharashtra should show its full strength. I will also talk to other political parties. This is a conspiracy to reduce the importance of Marathi in Maharashtra."
When asked if he would invite Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to join the protest, Thackeray said, "All political parties will be contacted. Maharashtra is bigger than any fight. However, the day after Thackeray's response, that is on June 27, both parties agreed to hold a joint rally."
Pawar says, 'It's not right to burden children with additional languages'
NCP (Sharad faction) chief Sharad Pawar said on Thursday that Hindi should not be made compulsory from class 1 in Maharashtra. He emphasized that if any new language is to be introduced, it should only be started after class 5.
Pawar said, "There is no objection to starting Hindi after class 5. A large section of the country speaks Hindi and there is no reason to completely ignore this language." However, Pawar said that it is not appropriate to burden young children with additional languages.
Hindi language controversy in Maharashtra explained
- In Maharashtra, Hindi was initially made compulsory as a third language for students in classes 1 to 5 in all Marathi and English medium schools, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- However, following controversy, revised guidelines now allow students to select any Indian language as their third language instead of Hindi.
- This option is available if at least 20 students in a class opt for the alternative language, in which case a teacher will be appointed for that subject.
- If fewer than 20 students choose a language other than Hindi, it will be taught online.
- This policy aims to provide flexibility while ensuring the implementation of the three-language formula in the state’s schools.
How split between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray occurred
- Raj Thackeray began his political journey in 1989 as the president of Shiv Sena’s student wing, Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, gaining popularity among youth through extensive tours across Maharashtra.
- By 1993, he had built a strong grassroots network for Shiv Sena. Until 2002, Raj and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray jointly managed the party.
- However, after Balasaheb Thackeray appointed Uddhav as executive president in 2003, Uddhav’s influence grew, leading to Raj’s dissatisfaction.
- By 2005, feeling sidelined, Raj resigned from Shiv Sena, stating his issue was not with Balasaheb but with those around him.
- On March 9, 2006, Raj Thackeray launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), positioning it as a party dedicated to the interests of the “Marathi Manus” and aiming to establish a strong regional identity.
