‘We’re Hindus Not Hindi’ Raj Thackeray Warns Against Forcing Hindi in Maharashtra Schools
'We're Hindus Not Hindi' Raj Thackeray Warns Against Forcing Hindi in Maharashtra Schools
April 17, 2025 | Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has strongly opposed the state government’s plan to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools across the state from Classes 1 to 5. His reaction came following the Maharashtra government’s announcement of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the academic year 2025–26 in a phased manner.
According to the new educational framework, both Marathi and English medium schools will be required to teach Hindi as a mandatory third language up to Class 5. Reacting to this decision, Thackeray expressed his discontent through a detailed social media post, warning the government against what he termed as “forcible imposition of Hindi.”
Thackeray wrote, “As per the State Curriculum Framework 2024, Hindi is now being made compulsory from Class 1 in Maharashtra. Let me say clearly — Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will not tolerate this imposition.”
He criticized the central government’s ongoing efforts at “Hindi-isation,” asserting that such attempts will not be allowed to succeed in Maharashtra. “Hindi is not the national language. It is one of the many regional languages in the country. Why should children in Maharashtra be compelled to learn it from the first grade?” he questioned.
Thackeray further appealed to the government to restrict the ‘three-language formula’ to administrative purposes only and not extend it to education. He argued that the linguistic reorganization of states was based on respecting regional languages, and any move to impose a language from another region undermines that foundation.
“Every language has a rich history and tradition behind it, and that must be respected in its own state. Just as we expect non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra to respect Marathi, Marathi people in other states should respect the local language there. But if you’re going to weaken this linguistic harmony, we cannot accept that,” he stated.
In a sharp warning, Thackeray declared, “We are Hindus, but we are not Hindi. If you try to impose Hindi on Maharashtra, conflict is inevitable. This seems like an orchestrated effort by the government to create a Marathi vs. non-Marathi divide ahead of the upcoming elections.”
He alleged that the government is using divisive politics to distract from pressing issues such as youth unemployment, unfulfilled promises of farm loan waivers, and a struggling economy. “When there’s nothing meaningful to show, divide and rule becomes the tool — just like the British,” he said.
Thackeray also questioned why similar language mandates are not enforced in southern states, stating that such imposition would face strong resistance there. “Why only Maharashtra? Is it because the local government here is passively accepting it? The MNS will not allow this. Hindi textbooks will not be allowed to be sold or distributed in schools,” he warned.
Calling upon the people of Maharashtra, Thackeray urged everyone — including media professionals and other political parties — to oppose the move without engaging in divisive arguments. “If any political party truly loves the Marathi language, they should stand with us in protest,” he added.
He concluded with a stark warning: “Today it’s language, tomorrow there will be other forced mandates. The problem is not the death of the old — it’s that the future is being darkened.”
