‘We’re Hindus, Not Hindi’: MNS Slams Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra Schools

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi compulsory for students from Classes 1 to 5 under the New Education Policy (NEP) has triggered widespread political backlash, particularly from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The party launched a protest in Mumbai’s Dadar area, putting up posters reading: “We are Hindus, but not Hindi”, directly challenging the imposition of the language.

Earlier in the day, MNS chief Raj Thackeray convened a high-level meeting with party leaders at his residence to chart the future course of action. Alleging that the central government is using education policy to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states, the party warned of statewide agitation if the decision is not rolled back.

“We won’t allow any other state’s language to be forced upon us,” said MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande. “Hindi is a **‘Rajbhasha’ (official language), not a **‘Rashtrabhasha’ (national language). Today it’s Hindi, tomorrow it could be Gujarati or Tamil. We are Marathi and will only promote Marathi. We’ll fight till our last breath.”

As part of their protest, MNS activists burned copies of the state government’s directive on Hindi imposition.

Political Reactions Intensify

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray voiced concern over the timing and practicality of the decision. “Language should be kept away from politics. Marathi is our state language and deserves priority. We are not against Hindi as a third language, but can Class 1 students handle this? Are we equipped with enough teachers and infrastructure?” he asked, questioning the government’s intent behind the move.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal called the policy a “politically motivated decision.” He stated, “Marathi is our mother tongue, and we are deeply devoted to it. BJP is pushing a Hindi-Hindustan agenda. This move undermines the spirit of unity in diversity. The decision must be withdrawn immediately.”

Government Defends the Move

In response to the mounting criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar defended the policy, emphasizing the importance of multilingual proficiency. “Marathi is essential in Maharashtra—no doubt about it. But Hindi is important in India, and English is necessary internationally. Only jobless people are politicizing this,” he remarked.