“This is not just a rollback of a government resolution, it’s a victory for every Marathi-speaking citizen,” declared Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, following the state government's withdrawal of the controversial GR that aimed to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools
MNS chief Raj Thackeray. File Pic
A day after the Maharashtra government rolled back the GRs on introducing Hindi in schools, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray addressed the media on Monday.
“This is not just a rollback of a government resolution—it’s a victory of every Marathi-speaking citizen,” he said.
Thackeray extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for their unwavering support in opposing the "Hindi imposition".
“I want to sincerely thank all the Marathi authors, poets, cultural figures, TV channels, newspapers, and especially the Marathi people for standing strong and helping achieve this important outcome,” he said.
The MNS chief reminded everyone of the symbolic importance of the now-cancelled protest that was scheduled for July 5.
“Had it taken place, it would have become one of the most historic demonstrations in recent times—one that would’ve reminded our elders, aged 70 to 75, of the days of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement,” he noted.
Recalling the tense discussions with Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Thackeray shared that he stood firm on his opposition to Hindi.
“We will hear you out, but we won’t agree with you,” Thackeray claimed telling Bhuse.
He also did not mince words while describing the government’s earlier move to introduce Hindi in schools and said, “The imposition of Hindi is like a slow poison.”
Warning the state leadership never to repeat such attempts, Thackeray asserted, “Hindi is not the national language that it can be forcefully imposed."
This rollback, he said, is a decisive victory for the Marathi manoos.
Speaking on the July 5 rally, Thackeray said the originally planned protest will now be held as a victory gathering, open to all, but not associated with any political party.
“There will be no political flag, only the Marathi cause. Details of the location and time will be shared soon,” he said.
Raj Thackeray also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in amplifying the issue.
“I’m grateful to newspapers and TV channels for taking this matter to the national stage,” he added.
Now, he urged, the media must shift its focus to deeper challenges within the education sector: “Let’s talk about the real problems, underpaid teachers, staff shortages, and one teacher handling multiple subjects. These are the issues that deserve attention.”
In a powerful closing remark, he said: “Let this be a reminder: if Marathi is silenced, the language may one day disappear. But if we stand united, no force can erase the identity of the Marathi people.”
Meanwhile, MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Monday asserted that the Maharashtra government withdrew its decision to introduce Hindi as a third language in schools owing to the pressure exerted by opposition parties and the civil society.
The first day of the Monsoon Session at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai commenced with key political leaders in attendance
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Thackeray, together with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve, Bhaskar Jadhav, and other opposition legislators, organised a symbolic protest on the steps of Vidhan Bhavan, displaying placards inscribed with "Mi Marathi (I am Marathi)".
"Pressure triumphed over power," Thackeray remarked within the premises of Vidhan Bhavan on Monday, Day 1 of the Monsoon Session of the state legislature.
Confronted with increasing opposition to the introduction of Hindi in Maharashtra's schools from Class 1 to Class 5, the state cabinet decided on Sunday to rescind two government orders (GRs) concerning the implementation of the three-language policy.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that these GRs had been withdrawn and revealed the formation of a committee led by educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav to recommend future steps regarding the language policy.
"Despite possessing authority, the government was compelled to rescind its resolutions owing to pressure from the public, opposition parties, and others opposed to the imposition of Hindi," Aaditya Thackeray stated.
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