Uddhav Thackeray Accuses Maharashtra Government of Conspiracy Against Marathi Language; Government Forced to Withdraw Hindi Compulsory GR After Statewide Opposition.
Maharashtra Politics: Shiv Sena (Uddhav) chief Uddhav Thackeray has made serious allegations against the Maharashtra government, accusing it of gradually trying to eliminate the Marathi language from the state. His reaction was regarding the central government's withdrawal of the GR (Government Resolution) making Hindi compulsory from classes 1 to 5, which faced widespread opposition in the state.
Thackeray said that not only linguistic groups but people from all levels reacted against this GR, after which the government had to withdraw it. He argued that this is a battle for language, culture, and identity.
Discontent Due to Corruption Allegations and Fadnavis's Role
Uddhav Thackeray referred to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as a "helpless Chief Minister" and alleged that ministers surrounded by corruption charges are being let off with just a warning instead of being dismissed.
Thackeray specifically accused ministers like Manikrao Kokate, Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod, and Yogesh Kadam of corruption and insensitive remarks. Notably, Kokate faced criticism after being shown playing online 'Rummy,' while his portfolio was changed due to alleged fictitious accusations, but he did not resign.
Linguistic Identity and the Need for Agitation
Uddhav Thackeray did not limit this issue to mere political reaction. He said that if the Marathi language is to be saved, there should be agitations throughout the state. He appealed to party workers and supporters to participate in opposition movements at the district and taluka levels, which will make the government afraid to take decisions against Marathi identity.
Public and Opposition Support
When the GR was withdrawn, Marathi language support organizations, educationists, and opposition parties united to oppose the ruling party's policies. Uddhav and his cousin Raj Thackeray jointly presided over a rally on July 5, which celebrated the withdrawal of the GR.
Questions on the Governor and Education Policy
Thackeray further stated how the government is hindering linguistic diversity in education policy. He also questioned the role of the Governor, along with the central government's language policy.
He said that imposing the three-language formula (Marathi, Hindi, English) on students from classes 1 to 5 can be harmful. This decision has been taken without widespread consensus from society, which is against the democratic process.
