Marathi Pride vs. Hindi Policy: Shiv Sena Sparks Language Debate

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, on Monday, raised important questions regarding the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra, suggesting that public sentiment against Hindi overshadowed Marathi advocacy. Kayande noted a pervasive hypocrisy in the treatment of Indian languages, pointing out that while Marathi love runs deep, Hindi is unnecessarily targeted.

Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), celebrated the decision to retract the contentious three-language policy. Thackeray championed Marathi solidarity and announced a new committee under Narendra Jadhav to oversee language policy deliberations, lauding political unity amid differing party positions.

In a related development, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut lambasted the BJP for allegedly spreading falsehoods about Thackeray's stance on the Mashelkar committee report. Raut challenged the ruling party to publicly release the report, questioning BJP's motives and asserting the necessity for transparent discourse on national policies affecting states.

(With inputs from agencies.)