A political row has erupted in Maharashtra after the BJP-led Mahayuti government announced that Hindi will be made a compulsory third language in primary education from Class 1 to 5, starting from the 2025–26 academic year. This decision, linked to the phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has ignited widespread opposition from political parties and cultural groups.

MNS Leads the Resistance

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the move. In a strong statement issued on Thursday, Thackeray said:

“We are Hindu, not Hindi. If you try to paint Maharashtra as Hindi, conflict will be inevitable.”

Thackeray warned the government not to enforce Hindi textbooks in schools or allow bookshops to sell Hindi learning materials. He said his party would resist the imposition of the language and defend the Marathi identity. He further alleged that the move was a divide-and-rule tactic intended to create friction between Marathi and non-Marathi communities, especially ahead of the local body elections.

Thackeray added:

“Forcing Hindi from Grade 1 will not be tolerated. Hindi is not India’s national language but the language of some states. The linguistic foundation of India must be respected.”

He accused the central government of pushing Hindi on states across India, which violates the spirit of linguistic state formation. He suggested that this was a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from pressing issues such as economic challenges and unemployment.

Congress Condemns the Decision

The Congress Party also came down heavily on the decision. Vijay Wadettiwar, senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, stated that the move was an injustice to the Marathi language and an assault on federal principles.

“Marathi is the mother tongue of Maharashtra, and along with English, is used for education and administration. Introducing compulsory Hindi undermines this structure.”

He called for any third language to be optional, not mandatory, and said that forcing language policies on states was akin to intimidation. Wadettiwar warned that such steps were setting a dangerous precedent.

He further said:

“The Centre must respect the linguistic diversity and autonomy of states. This decision is not in line with the federal structure of the Indian Constitution and should be rolled back.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) Holds Comments Pending Review

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut reserved his comment for now. He stated that the party would study the Government Resolution (GR) issued by the School Education Department before making an official statement.

This reflects a wait-and-watch approach by certain parties who are gauging public reaction before committing to a stance.

BJP Defends the Decision, Cites NEP

Responding to the backlash, BJP leader and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar defended the policy, suggesting that critics like Raj Thackeray should study the NEP 2020. He said:

“We will send him a copy of the National Education Policy. Every language should be respected.”

Shelar’s remarks indicate that the BJP views the move as part of a broader educational reform, not as an imposition. However, critics argue that the timing and manner of implementation reflect a centralising agenda that disregards regional sentiments.

Background: NEP and the Three-Language Formula

The National Education Policy 2020 includes a three-language formula aimed at promoting multilingualism and national unity. However, the policy does not explicitly mandate Hindi in all states. It recommends flexibility in choosing the third language based on regional and local needs.

The controversy arises from the interpretation and execution of this policy in states like Maharashtra, where language is a strong component of cultural identity. Critics argue that imposing Hindi in a Marathi-majority state disrupts the delicate linguistic balance and violates the principle of autonomy.

Growing Language Tensions Across India

This issue in Maharashtra adds fuel to the broader conflict over language policies playing out across various Indian states. Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have long resisted attempts to impose Hindi, advocating instead for regional languages and English in education.

In Maharashtra, the decision is now being viewed through both educational and political lenses. Regional parties are accusing the BJP-led coalition of using language identity to divert public attention from economic and governance issues.

What Lies Ahead

The coming days are expected to see:

• Mass protests by groups like the MNS and Congress

• Possible legal challenges to the policy

• School administrators caught in policy confusion

• Teachers’ associations raising concerns about curriculum pressure and resource allocation

There is also the possibility of this issue becoming a central plank in upcoming local elections, with parties seeking to leverage the language card to mobilise support.

Final Thoughts

The debate over Hindi in Maharashtra schools underscores the deep cultural and political sensitivities around language in India. While national integration is important, so too is the recognition and respect for regional identities.

The question remains: can India truly be united if its linguistic diversity is not celebrated but forced into a singular framework?

The situation is evolving rapidly, and all eyes are now on how the Maharashtra government and opposition parties navigate this increasingly contentious issue.

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