The Indian National Congress has decided to distance itself from the "victory rally" planned by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The rally, scheduled for July 5th, 2025, is intended to celebrate the Maharashtra government's withdrawal of two government resolutions (GRs) regarding the implementation of Hindi in schools. These GRs had mandated the teaching of Hindi as a compulsory subject from Class 1 onwards, a move that sparked considerable opposition from various political parties and organizations in Maharashtra.
The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, initially announced separate protests against what they termed the "imposition of Hindi". However, following the government's decision to revoke the GRs, they decided to unite and hold a joint rally to mark the victory. This would have been their first joint political appearance in nearly two decades, since Raj Thackeray left the Shiv Sena to form the MNS. The rally, now converted into a victory celebration called "Marathi Vijay Diwas", is scheduled to take place at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Stadium (Dome) of the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli.
The Congress party's decision not to participate in the rally comes amidst a broader debate on the role of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states. The party has consistently opposed the imposition of Hindi, advocating that while Hindi can be learned by choice, it should not be forced upon anyone. Maharashtra Congress leaders have criticized the BJP government for allegedly conspiring to undermine unity in diversity and attempting to impose Hindi as the sole language across India. They have emphasized that Marathi is not just a language but a way of life and culture.
Harshwardhan Sapkal, President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), has been particularly vocal in his opposition to the compulsory teaching of Hindi in primary schools. He views it as a part of a larger RSS-BJP conspiracy to eliminate regional languages and impose Hindi hegemony. Sapkal has clarified that the Congress party respects the Hindi language but finds coercion unacceptable. He has also questioned the differential treatment meted out to Maharashtra compared to Gujarat, where Hindi is not compulsory from Grade 1.
The controversy surrounding the "imposition of Hindi" stems from the Maharashtra government's decision to implement the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy initially mandated Hindi as a third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools. However, after facing strong opposition, the government clarified that it would be optional. A revised GR stated that "Hindi will generally be the third language," but students could opt for another language if a minimum of 20 students chose it and a separate teacher was appointed. This condition was perceived by many as a veiled attempt to impose Hindi.
Uddhav Thackeray has also clarified that his party is not against the Hindi language but opposes its imposition. He participated in a protest where copies of the government resolution on the three-language policy were burnt. Raj Thackeray has warned against any forceful learning other than Marathi in Maharashtra. He stated that the government's decision to cancel the GRs was due to the resentment of the Marathi people. He cautioned the government against reintroducing such measures, emphasizing that the decision to withdraw Hindi as a third language should be considered permanent.
While the Congress party has chosen to stay away from the Thackeray rally, it remains firm in its stance against the imposition of Hindi. The party views the issue as a matter of protecting regional languages and cultural diversity. As the debate over language policy continues, the Congress is likely to maintain its measured approach, advocating for Hindi to be learned by choice and not by imposition.
