Shiv Sena (UBT) won’t allow Hindi as third language in Maharashtra schools: Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Credit: PTI Photo

Mumbai: Hardening its stance, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance, Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asserted that his party will not allow making Hindi the third language for students of Classes 1 to 5 of Marathi and English mediums in Maharashtra. 

“We do not have any aversion to the Hindi language but the question is why it is forced to be included in the curriculum,” he said. 

Uddhav’s comments come days after his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Uddhav Thackeray made a similar declaration. “We are Hindus but not Hindi! If you try to paint Maharashtra as Hindi, then there is bound to be a struggle in Maharashtra. If you look at all this, you will realise that the government is deliberately creating this struggle. Is this all an attempt to create a struggle between Marathi and non-Marathi people in the upcoming elections and take advantage of it,” Raj had said. 

Meanwhile, state Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal  said that the decision to impose Hindi as a compulsory language from the primary level is completely wrong and must be withdrawn immediately.

“On one hand, there's talk of granting Marathi the status of a classical language, and on the other, efforts are being made to sideline it—this is a hypocritical stance. Language is not just a medium of communication; it's a cultural expression. How are students expected to study other subjects when they're burdened with three compulsory languages? This compulsion will deprive children of foundational knowledge. Regional languages must be respected,” he said. 

According to him, while other languages deserve appreciation too, the BJP’s intent is to eliminate regional cultures and languages. “This decision could also threaten the jobs of teachers of other languages. The BJP's agenda of pushing Hindu, Hindi, and Hindu Rashtra is unacceptable, and Congress strongly opposes such enforcement,” he added.