Amidst the ongoing controversy over the decision to make Hindi compulsory as a third language in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on the central and state governments. Thackeray described the policy of imposing a language as an attack on Marathi identity and made sharp remarks regarding PM Modi, the US-India trade dispute, and Raj Thackeray.
Maharashtra: The language dispute in Maharashtra appears to be gaining political traction once again. Cornering the government over the decision to teach Hindi as a third language, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that any attempt to impose a language would not be accepted. Targeting Prime Minister Modi, he questioned how teaching Marathi could be a crime if he could speak Hindi despite being from Gujarat. Thackeray linked this issue to Marathi identity, warning that such policies could affect social harmony.
Uddhav Speaks on Language
Uddhav Thackeray said in a press conference on Thursday that they are not against any language, but it is wrong to force any language on anyone. He questioned whether Marathi, Tamil, or Telugu could be forcibly taught in Hindi-speaking states. Thackeray said that every person learns the language they need, not the one imposed on them. He criticized the Fadnavis government's decision to make Hindi compulsory as a third language from the first to fifth grades. The government had to withdraw its order after the opposition.
Government Cornered on US-India Trade Dispute
Uddhav Thackeray also directly attacked the central government on the issue of the US imposing a 50% tariff on India. He targeted Prime Minister Modi's statement in which he said that there would be no compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and the dairy sector. Retorting, Thackeray said that when farmers were protesting on the borders of Delhi, the government put nails and walls for them. Now, when international trade is being affected, the government is invoking the plight of farmers.
Sarcasm on Raj Thackeray and Foreign Policy Too
Uddhav Thackeray also reacted to the relationship with his brother Raj Thackeray and the strategy of the India alliance. He said, "Both brothers know what to do, and we will." Furthermore, questioning Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, Thackeray asked where the Prime Minister is when the country is in crisis. Questioning the central government's stability regarding relations with China and Pakistan, he said that sometimes they are described as enemies, then why are trade and cricket matches held with them?
