The Fadnavis government in Maharashtra has retreated amidst the ongoing language debate. The decision to make Hindi mandatory has been revoked; the notification is now withdrawn. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a committee will determine the next steps after reviewing its report, whereby a trilingual formula will be implemented.
Earlier, when the decision surfaced to make Hindi mandatory from the first grade in Maharashtra, the opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS united in protest. They announced a grand march on July 5. The escalating issue suggested potential for a significant political debate.
Uddhav Claims Victory for Marathi Unity
After the decision reversal, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Uddhav Thackeray stated that the Maharashtra government had to yield to the 'Marathi Manush' unity, forcing the retraction of two government orders mandating Hindi from classes 1 to 5. Thackeray emphasized that Marathi society opposes not the Hindi language, but the mindset of compulsion.
Thackeray accused the Devendra Fadnavis government of attempting to fracture Marathi unity and aiming to divide Marathi and non-Marathi people for political gain. He reminded the government of the power demonstrated by Marathi people during the United Maharashtra Movement.
Government Goes on the Backfoot
As soon as the trilingual formula order was issued, strong protests ensued from Shiv Sena UBT and MNS, connecting the matter to Marathi identity. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal also condemned the order as coercive against Marathi people.
Raj Thackeray criticized the BJP government, questioning why this decision was not also implemented in Gujarat. He announced a march against the government's trilingual formula on July 5 at Girgaon Chowpatty, devoid of any political banners. He called for participation from all opposition parties, wanting to see their support manifest.
Uddhav Thackeray supported the march and extended participation invitations to sports, film, and industry figures, further unifying efforts for Marathi pride.
The Issue Escalates
The trilingual formula quickly evolved into a question of Marathi pride. The state government acknowledged the potential for this matter to escalate similarly to the Maratha reservation issue. During previous Lok Sabha elections, the NDA had suffered significant losses due to the Maratha reservation movement, with the BJP failing to secure any seats in Marathwada. Observant of the language issue's potential spread, the government retreated and rescinded the order.
What the Order Entailed
The revised state order directed Marathi and English medium schools to teach Hindi as a third language from classes 1 to 5. This was part of the phased language policy under the National Education Policy 2020 for primary education. However, it was also clarified that if at least 20 students in a class preferred an Indian language other than Hindi, arrangements for teachers or online instruction would be made accordingly.
