Raj Thackeray Warns School Principals Against Hindi Imposition, Says It Undermines Marathi
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Mumbai | June 18, 2025
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a strong warning to school principals across Maharashtra, urging them to oppose any covert or overt move to introduce Hindi or any third language as compulsory in Class 1 under the State Board curriculum.
In a letter dated June 12, 2025, Thackeray criticized the state education department for its “chaotic” handling of language policies. He noted that the government had initially announced the compulsory inclusion of Marathi, English, and Hindi in the syllabus. However, following opposition from MNS and public backlash, officials clarified that Hindi would be optional—but Raj Thackeray claims this is a strategic loophole.
“There is no question of making Hindi compulsory. Hindi is not our national language. It is spoken only in certain northern states,” Thackeray stated, adding that such imposition threatens local languages in Maharashtra and beyond.
He questioned the continued printing of Hindi textbooks despite government claims of non-compulsion. “If children aren’t learning a third language, why are Hindi textbooks being printed?” he asked. The MNS leader alleged this was evidence of a “hidden agenda” to discreetly implement Hindi, and warned schools not to cooperate.
Thackeray emphasized that Marathi and English are sufficient for early education. “The government blindly follows orders from above. But schools must not fall prey to such politics. If you’re forced, we will support you—but if you comply, Maharashtra Sainiks will respond,” he warned.
He also revealed that a formal letter had been sent to the state government demanding written assurance that no third language, including Hindi, would be made compulsory.
“There is growing discontent across Maharashtra. Imposing a language in this way is not only harmful to children but also to the very identity of Marathi,” Thackeray concluded.
