A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra over the state government's decision to make Hindi compulsory as a third language from Class 1. The Shiv Sena, through its mouthpiece 'Saamana', has launched a scathing attack on the Fadnavis-led BJP government, accusing it of trying to undermine Marathi language and culture.

Key Highlights:

• Language Imposition Allegation:
  'Saamana' questioned why Hindi was removed from schools in Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi’s home state, while being imposed in Maharashtra, a state with its own rich linguistic identity.

• “Our Mother Tongue is Our Self-Respect”:
  Shiv Sena stated that while they are not against Hindi, enforcing it feels like an attack on Marathi identity. The editorial urged that regional languages should not be treated as inferior.

• Call to Marathi Icons:
  The party called out prominent Marathi figures like Nana Patekar, Madhuri Dixit, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Gavaskar, asking them to speak up for the cause of Marathi.

• Double Standards by the Centre?:
  'Saamana' criticized the BJP and central leadership, stating:

  “PM Modi gives speeches in English in Bihar and speaks to Trump in Hindi. So what is the logic behind making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra?”

• Historical Context Cited:
  The article referred to historical Maratha rulers such as the Holkars, Shindes, and Bhosales, who ruled non-Marathi regions but never imposed Marathi—arguing that language should never be forced.

• Ambedkar Quoted:
  Shiv Sena cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, saying, “No language should be imposed on anyone,” adding moral and constitutional weight to their argument.

Shiv Sena’s Core Argument:

While Hindi has organically flourished in Mumbai due to its film and cultural ecosystem, forcing it at the cost of Marathi language preservation is unacceptable, according to the party. The editorial warns that such actions will face resistance from local communities.