Language Divide: Uddhav Thackeray's Battle Against Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has strongly criticized the BJP for what he alleges is an attempt to impose Hindi in Maharashtra, a move he claims is dividing the population along linguistic lines.

The former Chief Minister emphasized that while the Shiv Sena is not against the Hindi language, it strongly opposes its enforced imposition in a predominantly Marathi-speaking state. Thackeray accused the BJP of pushing a concealed agenda by declaring a 'language emergency.'

Amid the debate over the introduction of Hindi in schools, Thackeray highlighted the need for preserving Marathi identity. He pointed to his decision during his tenure to make Marathi mandatory in Maharashtra schools and called for an agitation against the three-language policy being enforced by the BJP-led government.

(With inputs from agencies.)