The escalating dispute began in April when the state government, aligning with a federal policy introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made Hindi a compulsory subject alongside Marathi and English. The decision received backlash from civil society, language advocates, and political leaders who accused the authorities of sidelining local languages in favor of Hindi, often viewed as a threat to regional identity in Maharashtra.
Language holds deep cultural significance in India, and changes in policy can provoke strong reactions, as seen in previous instances like protests in Bengaluru demanding local language dominance on billboards. In Maharashtra, where the political landscape has shifted towards a Hindi-centric approach since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, frustrations are running high. With rising migration from Hindi-speaking regions, many fear the erosion of local cultures.
In response to the growing discontent, the BJP-led state government revoked the controversial three-language policy and established a committee to reassess it. Nonetheless, street violence has been reported, including assaults on individuals refusing to communicate in Marathi and a viral incident of a shop owner being attacked by activists for not using the language.
In a surprising twist, former political rivals Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united to rally against Hindi imposition. Their alliance comes amidst the impending municipal elections, where language politics have historically influenced voter sentiment in Mumbai. Experts warn that while mobilizing around language identity resonates emotionally with locals, it may distract from pressing issues like economic development and social harmony. As language-driven political movements unfold, the implications for Maharashtra's future remain poignant and uncertain.
Language holds deep cultural significance in India, and changes in policy can provoke strong reactions, as seen in previous instances like protests in Bengaluru demanding local language dominance on billboards. In Maharashtra, where the political landscape has shifted towards a Hindi-centric approach since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, frustrations are running high. With rising migration from Hindi-speaking regions, many fear the erosion of local cultures.
In response to the growing discontent, the BJP-led state government revoked the controversial three-language policy and established a committee to reassess it. Nonetheless, street violence has been reported, including assaults on individuals refusing to communicate in Marathi and a viral incident of a shop owner being attacked by activists for not using the language.
In a surprising twist, former political rivals Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united to rally against Hindi imposition. Their alliance comes amidst the impending municipal elections, where language politics have historically influenced voter sentiment in Mumbai. Experts warn that while mobilizing around language identity resonates emotionally with locals, it may distract from pressing issues like economic development and social harmony. As language-driven political movements unfold, the implications for Maharashtra's future remain poignant and uncertain.
