Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) In the midst of a controversy concerning the three-language formula, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has criticized the Maharashtra government's decision to conduct a series of meetings on the matter, labeling it as an "insult" to the Marathi language.
Speaking to reporters, Raut expressed disappointment over the "silence" of prominent Marathi literary figures and celebrities, suggesting that their connections with the government have subdued their voices.
Raut pointed out that the children of several cabinet ministers and literary personalities are enrolled in English-medium schools, thus, according to him, they lack the moral grounds to discuss the preservation of the Marathi language. The recent government directive, amended last week, proposed that Hindi would generally be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5, sparking controversy.
The government clarified that Hindi is not compulsory, but requires the consent of at least 20 students per grade for any other Indian language. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting on Monday, stating that a final decision on the three-language formula would be made after consulting stakeholders, including litterateurs, language experts, and political leaders.
Raut criticized the government’s policy and referred to the meetings as unnecessary. "There is no need to enforce Hindi learning in Maharashtra. Why is CM Devendra Fadnavis insisting on it? There might be ulterior motives," claimed the Sena (UBT) leader.
Raut severely criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over the issue and questioned why Hindi isn't being forced in Gujarat. "Hindi is not compulsory in Gujarat. Does Dy CM Eknath Shinde dare ask the BJP why Hindi is not imposed there as in Maharashtra?"
Raut described recent government deliberations over the three-language policy as meaningless meetings. "What this government needs to do is to simply revoke the order. Shinde is only aggravating the situation, and holding these meetings is an insult to the Marathi language," he asserted.
When asked about the government's move to consult literary figures, Raut dismissed the initiative. "There is no need for meetings with literary figures. Does Fadnavis even know the names of 10 prominent literary figures from Maharashtra? Can Shinde even name five?" he inquired.
Taking a jab at Marathi celebrities, Raut noted that Southern actor Prakash Raj has taken a clear stance against Hindi imposition under the three-language policy. "Where is Nana Patekar? Where is Prashant Damle? Where is Madhuri Dixit? Where are our Marathi cricketers? Marathi people have cheered their achievements, but when the Marathi language is at stake, they stay mute," he lamented.
Raut accused many renowned literary personalities of being silenced due to their affiliations with the government. "Don't lecture us about literary figures. Ninety per cent of them have been awarded and honored, creating a sense of indebtedness to the government," Raut commented.
He further targeted the ruling party's leadership over their dedication to the Marathi language. "My own children attended Marathi-medium schools. However, most cabinet ministers and literary figures have sent their children to English-medium schools. They lack the moral right to discuss conserving the Marathi language," he concluded.
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