Raj Thackeray blasts Maharashtra’s Hindi as Third-language plan

MNS chief warns that introducing Hindi from Class 1 will erode Marathi culture and urges schools, parents, and citizens to defy the Mahayuti government’s directive

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has told the Maharashtra government to drop its plan to introduce Hindi as a third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and Hindi medium schools. Branding the move “Hindi imposition,” Thackeray said the policy threatens Marathi culture, literature, and identity.

Under a recent Mahayuti government resolution, Hindi would be offered, not mandatory as a third language. Any other Indian language can be chosen instead, but a class must have at least 20 students requesting it. If a school lacks a teacher, the subject can be taught online.

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He argues that once Hindi enters primary grades, Marathi will be sidelined, eroding local literature and heritage. He calls the move a distraction from “real issues” facing the state. Pointing to states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, he asks why those regions are not required to add a third language in the same way. Thackeray claims Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier assured him that Hindi would not become compulsory. He says children can pick up new languages later in life, so making them study an extra language from Class 1 is needless pressure.

In an open letter to principals, Thackeray urges schools to reject the directive. If pressured, he promises the MNS will “stand behind you like a rock.” He warns administrators not to “aid the government’s hidden agenda” and hints that MNS members will personally visit any school that willingly complies. He calls on journalists, writers, and citizens to voice strong, public opposition.

Thackeray vows to monitor schools statewide and keep the issue in the spotlight. “We’ll see which schools try to teach Hindi,” he said, challenging the government to press ahead if it dares.