The dispute between Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has escalated regarding the enforcement of compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray responded to accusations at an event, clarifying the approval of a report during his previous government that proposed making Hindi mandatory from Class 1.
Fadnavis, in a Legislative Assembly session, alleged that Thackeray’s government had endorsed a committee report recommending compulsory English and Hindi education from Class 1 to 12. Presenting cabinet meeting minutes from January 20, 2022, Fadnavis asserted that the Mashelkar Committee’s suggestions were officially sanctioned under Thackeray’s leadership.
Thackeray countered by explaining the sequence of events, acknowledging receipt of the report but highlighting that the process was halted due to a political crisis leading to his government’s downfall. He criticized the current government for focusing on this specific report while overturning numerous decisions made by the previous administration.
Thackeray emphasized his pride in mandating Marathi education during his tenure but expressed disappointment that such a requirement is deemed necessary in Maharashtra. The verbal sparring underscores the ongoing battle for a “pro-Marathi” stance in the state, with Thackeray accusing the BJP of recycling narratives and CM Fadnavis citing documentary evidence to support the MVA government’s initial approval of the Hindi language policy.
