Uddhav opposes 3-language policy in Maharashtra; says state image hit by assembly lobby clash

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday asserted he would not accept any attempt by the Maharashtra government to implement a three-language policy in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan premises on the last day of the monsoon session, he also expressed concern over the scuffle between supporters of two MLAs from rival parties in the state assembly lobby here on Thursday, maintaining the incident had tarnished Maharashtra's image.

On the raging language row and claim of Hindi 'imposition' in Marathi and English medium schools, the former CM declared, "We will not tolerate forced implementation of a three-language policy in Maharashtra."

Asked about the clash between supporters of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar in the assembly lobby when the house was in session, he said, "The image of Maharashtra has gone down in the country after the incident." Thackeray hit out at the BJP-led Mahayuti government, noting the conduct of those in power was bringing shame to the dignity of the state.

Asked about comparisons being drawn between Thursday's violent clash and lawlessness in other states, the Shiv Sena (UBT) president said, "I will not say that such scuffles are bringing UP-Bihar culture to Maharashtra. There are good people in those states as well. We should not malign the image of an entire state because of some bad elements." Thackeray also said his sharing a stage with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray after many years (at the rally on July 5 over the Hindi-Marathi issue) should be seen as a signal of a long-term association.

"There is no election announced at present. If one is declared, we can discuss it," Thackeray told reporters while responding to a statement made earlier by Raj Thackeray.

Thackeray said he had announced a farm loan waiver when he was chief minister but his Maha Vikas Aghadi government got toppled when its implementation was set to start.

Questioning the Devendra Fadnavis government's seriousness on the issue, Thackeray asked whether ministers and departments were conducting any study for loan waiver.

"I announced a farm loan waiver in my first session, without prior experience," he pointed out.

Expressing concern over Maharashtra's rising debt burden, Thackeray said, "There is more focus on demands for supplies. The debt on the state is growing. How are you going to reduce it? What about your beloved brother-sister schemes? There are no answers. Nearly Rs 64,000 crore are being paid in the form of interest." Speaking on the last day of the Monsoon session of the legislature, Thackeray also lampooned Chief Minister Fadnavis.

"There were several questions about public issues, but the chief minister's speech was like a child asking his mother for ice cream. Nothing happens now, but something may happen in the future, that is what he said," the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed.

He further mocked Fadnavis by saying the CM's Marathi pronunciations must be proper.

The CM is trying to read out the National Education Policy 2020, but he should first understand it, Thackeray added.

On the scuffle at the Vidhan Bhavan complex, Thackeray asked what led to such a situation and what was emboldening such "goons".

Asserting the real problem was in the pursuit of power., Thackeray said, "This is not governance, it is arrogance born out of power. The 'chaddi gang' thinks they are Mike Tyson." The BJP was encouraging such persons to enter politics, who after doing so go out of hand, the former CM said.

"I expect every political party to remove such people from posts in their organisations," he said.

President's Rule should be imposed if such things happen inside the legislature (complex), Thackeray added.

Accusing the government of corruption, he said the courts had flagged a Rs 3000 crore scam but "yet the thief is roaming free".

He termed the present dispensation as a "fantasy amusement park." Asked about the lack of a leader of opposition in the assembly, Thackeray said the government, despite having a brute majority, does not want the opposition to speak.