A day after the Maharashtra government rolled back the GRs on introducing Hindi in schools, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray addressed the media on Monday.
“This is not just a rollback of a government resolution—it’s a victory of every Marathi-speaking citizen,” he said.
Thackeray extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for their unwavering support in opposing the “Hindi imposition”.
“I want to sincerely thank all the Marathi authors, poets, cultural figures, TV channels, newspapers, and especially the Marathi people for standing strong and helping achieve this important outcome,” he said.
The MNS chief reminded everyone of the symbolic importance of the now-cancelled protest that was scheduled for July 5.
“Had it taken place, it would have become one of the most historic demonstrations in recent times—one that would’ve reminded our elders, aged 70 to 75, of the days of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement,” he noted.
Recalling the tense discussions with Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Thackeray shared that he stood firm on his opposition to Hindi.
“We will hear you out, but we won’t agree with you,” Thackeray claimed telling Bhuse.
He also did not mince words while describing the government’s earlier move to introduce Hindi in schools and said, “The imposition of Hindi is like a slow poison.”
Warning the state leadership never to repeat such attempts, Thackeray asserted, “Hindi is not the national language that it can be forcefully imposed.”
This rollback, he said, is a decisive victory for the Marathi manoos.
Speaking on the July 5 rally, Thackeray said the originally planned protest will now be held as a victory gathering, open to all, but not associated with any political party.
“There will be no political flag, only the Marathi cause. Details of the location and time will be shared soon,” he said.
Raj Thackeray also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in amplifying the issue.
“I’m grateful to newspapers and TV channels for taking this matter to the national stage,” he added.
Now, he urged, the media must shift its focus to deeper challenges within the education sector: “Let’s talk about the real problems, underpaid teachers, staff shortages, and one teacher handling multiple subjects. These are the issues that deserve attention.”
In a powerful closing remark, he said: “Let this be a reminder: if Marathi is silenced, the language may one day disappear. But if we stand united, no force can erase the identity of the Marathi people.”
