The ongoing debate in Maharashtra over making Hindi a compulsory language in schools has taken a political turn once again. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a stern warning to the state government, demanding that only Marathi and English be made compulsory in schools, while Hindi should remain optional.

Raj Thackeray Writes to Education Minister

On Wednesday, Raj Thackeray addressed a letter to State Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, urging him to issue a written directive declaring Marathi and English as the only compulsory languages in the school curriculum from Class 1. He stressed that Hindi must not be imposed on students and should be offered only as an optional subject.

"1047" data-end="1282">The controversy began in April 2025, when the Maharashtra government announced that students from Classes 1 to 5 in all Marathi and English medium schools would be required to study Hindi as a third compulsory language.

This decision sparked widespread opposition, particularly from MNS and other regional parties, who saw it as an imposition on the local language identity. Facing backlash, the government put the decision on hold — but now the issue has resurfaced.

Raj Thackeray Alleges Book Printing in Hindi Has Started

Raising concerns, Raj Thackeray said,

“I have been informed that printing of textbooks in all three languages, including Hindi, has already started. If that’s true, it means the government hasn’t really reconsidered its decision.”

He added that if the imposition of Hindi is attempted again, MNS will launch a statewide agitation, and the government will have to bear the consequences.

“Why Are Other States Allowed to Reject Hindi?”

Thackeray pointed out that several Indian states have rejected the compulsory use of Hindi, prioritizing their regional languages instead. In a strong message to Minister Bhuse, he said:

“You are a Marathi by birth. When will you act like leaders of other states who protect their regional identity?”

He emphasized that Marathi is the pride and identity of Maharashtra, and just like Tamil Nadu or West Bengal stand firm on their linguistic policies, Maharashtra too should uphold Marathi.

MNS Forced Government to Withdraw Earlier Decision

Initially, the government had announced a three-language policy, with Hindi as the third compulsory language. But due to public outrage and MNS’s active protests, the plan was rolled back.

Raj Thackeray said,

“The government was forced to withdraw because the public sentiment was too strong. They had no option.”