Maharashtra Government Withdraws Hindi Plan Amidst Opposition Pressure

Mumbai, Jun 30 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray stated on Monday that Maharashtra's government retreated on its plan to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary education due to significant "pressure" from opposition and civil society.

Accompanied by the Leader of Opposition in the legislative council, Ambadas Danve, Bhaskar Jadhav, and other opposition legislators, Thackeray participated in a symbolic protest outside Vidhan Bhavan, carrying placards declaring "Mi Marathi" (I am Marathi).

Thackeray remarked, "Pressure triumphed over power," while addressing reporters within the Vidhan Bhavan premises, where the monsoon session of the state legislature had just commenced.

The state cabinet's decision on Sunday to withdraw two government orders (GRs) concerning the implementation of a three-language policy came amid growing dissent against Hindi's introduction in Maharashtra's schools from classes 1 to 5.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that the GRs were revoked, and a committee led by educationist Narendra Jadhav would be established to explore future policies on the language issue.

"Despite holding power, the government had to repeal its resolutions due to the pressure exerted by the people, opposition, and those opposing Hindi imposition," Thackeray asserted.

"We will sustain our pressure on the government until a formal decision is documented. Our trust in this government has eroded. Demonstrating the unity of Marathi people to Delhi is imperative," stated the legislator, Aaditya Thackeray, son of former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

When questioned about the motivations behind the government's decision, Aaditya Thackeray alleged, "The BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde are eager to prevent any alliance between Uddhav and MNS head Raj Thackeray. However, if they believe they can fragment Marathi pride, they are mistaken."

Ambadas Danve expressed contentment with the partial fulfillment of their demands but maintained skepticism towards the Maharashtra government, noting the establishment of yet another committee for further examination.

NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil criticized the administration's U-turn on the Hindi introduction as indicative of their disconnection from public sentiment. "The decision to retract Hindi imposition highlights this government's alienation from public concerns. It also emphasizes the administration's dysfunctionality," he alleged.

The monsoon session of the state legislature began today and will run until July 18. While the session opened with obituary references, the opposition signaled its intent to challenge the government on multiple fronts, including farm loan waivers, fair prices for agricultural products, inflation, employment, education, and alleged administrative misconduct.

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