Hindi cannot be imposed in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai, June 30: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday declared that the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra will not be tolerated, asserting that the collective strength of Marathi-speaking citizens has forced the state government to roll back two controversial resolutions. These resolutions had proposed the inclusion of Hindi as a medium of instruction alongside Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5.

Speaking on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra legislature, Thackeray described the withdrawal as a victory for the people. “We will soon announce details about a victory rally to be held on July 5. The planned joint march has been called off due to the government's decision. However, the fight is not over—we must remain united to prevent such actions in the future,” he said.

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Thackeray criticised those he called "Marathi traitors," suggesting they attempt to take advantage of any disunity. “We must preserve this unity and demonstrate it with full strength during the upcoming rally. The movement saw people rise above party lines, and that spirit must continue,” he added.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also commented on the formation of a new committee led by economist and former Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav to address the issue. “This is an educational matter, and appointing an economist reflects the government's confusion. But no matter what the committee decides now, the attempt to impose Hindi has already been defeated,” he said.

According to Thackeray, the slogan "Jai Maharashtra" has once again echoed across the state, symbolising a renewed assertion of linguistic and cultural pride. He acknowledged the contributions of political parties and Marathi-speaking individuals from various backgrounds who stood united in the protest.

The former Chief Minister credited this unity with prompting the government to rescind its decision. “Had the government not reversed its stand, many pro-Marathi voices even from the BJP, Shinde faction, and Ajit Pawar group were ready to join the July 5 morcha,” Thackeray noted.

On Sunday, Thackeray had already claimed that the government's move to mandate Hindi had been defeated by the will of the “Marathi Manoos.” He emphasized that the issue was not anti-Hindi, but anti-coercion. “The BJP tried to engineer a divide between Marathi and non-Marathi people, but the community saw through it. The opposition was never about the language itself, but about forcing it on our children,” he said.

Thackeray concluded by reiterating that the power of unity among Marathi people had not only thwarted an unwanted policy but had also exposed the political motives behind it.