Neither Hindi nor Marathi, Uddhav & Raj just love family: BJP
In a recent development, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray held a joint rally to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back the three-language policy. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the move, stating that the two leaders came together due to political compulsion.
Gaurav Vallabh, a BJP leader, has taken a jibe at Uddhav and Raj, saying that they do not genuinely love either Hindi or Marathi. Instead, they only care about their family. “Stop hiding behind Hindi and Marathi. You neither love Marathi nor Hindi, you just love your family,” Vallabh stated.
The three-language policy, which aimed to introduce Hindi, Marathi, and English as compulsory subjects in schools, had sparked a heated debate in Maharashtra. While some saw it as a step towards promoting national unity and linguistic diversity, others argued that it would dilute the state’s unique cultural identity.
The controversy surrounding the policy led to widespread protests and demonstrations, with many calling for the government to reconsider its decision. Finally, the Maharashtra government announced that it would roll back the policy, effectively keeping Marathi and English as the primary languages of instruction in schools.
Uddhav and Raj’s joint rally to celebrate the rollback of the policy has been seen as a blow to the BJP, which had been a strong supporter of the three-language policy. The BJP has accused the two leaders of coming together due to political expediency, rather than any genuine commitment to promoting Marathi.
Vallabh’s comments have been seen as a reflection of the BJP’s frustration with the situation. By questioning Uddhav and Raj’s commitment to promoting Marathi, Vallabh is attempting to undermine their credibility and legitimacy as champions of the state’s unique cultural identity.
However, Uddhav and Raj have responded to Vallabh’s comments by saying that they are committed to promoting Marathi and preserving the state’s unique cultural heritage. In a statement, Uddhav said that the three-language policy was a “clear attempt to undermine Marathi” and that the government’s decision to roll back the policy was a “victory for Marathi”.
Raj has also defended the joint rally, saying that it was a demonstration of the unity and solidarity of Marathi-speaking people. “We are not against Hindi, but we are against the attempt to impose it on us,” Raj said. “Marathi is our mother tongue, and we will always prioritize it.”
The controversy surrounding the three-language policy has highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of language politics in India. While language is an important part of any culture’s identity, it can also be a source of division and conflict.
In the case of Maharashtra, the debate over the three-language policy has pitted the state’s Marathi-speaking majority against the Hindi-speaking minority. While the BJP has argued that the policy is necessary to promote national unity and linguistic diversity, opponents have seen it as an attempt to impose Hindi on the state.
The joint rally by Uddhav and Raj has given voice to the concerns of Marathi-speaking people and has helped to galvanize opposition to the three-language policy. However, Vallabh’s comments have also highlighted the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration between different linguistic and cultural groups.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the three-language policy is a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the unique cultural identities of different regions and communities. By promoting greater understanding and dialogue, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
