Are they running govt or comedy show: Aaditya on language row; says Bhuse won't clear even Class 1

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray

Credit: PTI File Photo

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday hit out at the Devendra Fadnavis-led dispensation over the "imposition" of Hindi in the state schools, and asked whether the rulers were running a government or a comedy show.

He also took a dig at School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, saying he should be sent to attend the classes of Grade 1, which he will fail to clear.

A row over the three-language formula has erupted in Maharashtra after the state government last week issued an amended order, stating that Hindi will "generally" be taught as the third language to students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5.

Targeting the government over it, Thackeray said on X, "Are they running a government or a comedy show?" "The Education Minister should first go to school and take lessons. Already there is a compulsion of three languages on students of Class 1. Plus there will be no books but oral studies," he said.

"He should be sent to Class 1 and he will fail even there," the former minister said.

The Sena (UBT) is opposed to the "imposition" of Hindi and the three-language policy for students of Class 1-5.

Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have decided to come together to oppose the government's move of introducing Hindi from Class 1 in state schools. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will take out a joint protest over the issue on July 5 in Mumbai.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that Hindi is optional while Marathi is compulsory.

Minister Bhuse has said that there will be no books for Classes 1 and 2 and the medium of instruction will be oral. The students of these two grades will be taught songs and shown pictures, he said. PTI PR NP