Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has made Hindi a compulsory third language in primary sections of Marathi and English-medium schools, sparking backlash from the Opposition and regional parties.
Congress and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have condemned the move, calling it an attack on Marathi identity. MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticized the Centre’s three-language policy, warning against what he termed the “Hindi-isation” of Maharashtra. “Hindi is a state language, not the national language,” he said.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notification, saying it undermines Marathi and the state’s cultural identity.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the decision, stating that students should learn multiple Indian languages alongside Marathi. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed the sentiment, calling Hindi a language of national communication.
The move comes amid ongoing resistance to Hindi imposition in southern states like Tamil Nadu, which follows a two-language policy.
