Mumbai : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande has strongly opposed any move to make Hindi compulsory in schools across Maharashtra. His statement comes amid ongoing debates over language policies in the state’s education system.
Deshpande warned that imposing Hindi on Marathi-speaking students would be unacceptable, emphasizing the importance of preserving Maharashtra’s linguistic identity. “Marathi is our mother tongue, and any attempt to force Hindi on our children will be met with strong resistance,” he said.
The MNS has historically advocated for Marathi language rights and regional pride. Deshpande’s remarks reflect the party’s stance against what it perceives as the central government’s push for Hindi dominance in non-Hindi states.
The issue has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting multilingual education while others back the MNS’s demand for prioritizing Marathi in Maharashtra’s curriculum. The state government has yet to respond to the latest controversy.
As tensions rise, political observers suggest the language debate could become a key issue in Maharashtra’s upcoming elections.
