The Language Tug-Of-War In Maharashtra: Balancing Pride With A Place For Everyone

Maharashtra, a state formed to unite Marathi speakers, is engaged in an ongoing debate about language that touches on identity and history. A recent government decision to teach Hindi in schools has reignited longstanding sentiments on the issue. The challenge lies in fiercely promoting Marathi, its official language, while ensuring that speakers of other languages feel respected and included. This delicate balancing act is unfolding in homes, schools, and politics across the state.

The Latest Spark: Hindi in Primary Schools

The recent wave of protests took off after the Maharashtra government made a move concerning the three-language policy in schools.

Back in April and June 2025, the government issued orders saying that Hindi would be the default "third language" for students in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium state board schools. They explained this was simply to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. They did say schools could offer other Indian languages, but there was a catch: at least 20 students in a class would need to choose an alternative, and if not, online teaching was an option.

But for many, this felt less like an option and more like an "imposition through the back door." Marathi language activists, cultural groups, and opposition parties, particularly Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), quickly rose in protest. They saw it as a direct threat to Maharashtra's linguistic identity, arguing that the 20-student condition was simply unrealistic, effectively forcing Hindi onto young children.

The backlash was swift and intense. Facing widespread public anger and the threat of large-scale demonstrations, the government quickly reversed its decision in June and July 2025. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a new committee, headed by educationist Dr. Narendra Jadhav, to thoroughly review the state's language policy for schools. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar clarified that only Marathi remains mandatory as a primary language, while Hindi is just one of 15 optional third languages, and previous compulsions for Hindi in higher primary classes were also removed. The Chief Minister stressed that Marathi is paramount and urged everyone not to politicize such a sensitive topic.

A Story of Pride: Maharashtra's Deep Connection to Marathi

To truly understand the passion behind the protests, you have to look at Maharashtra's history. Marathi isn't just a language here; it's the very foundation of the state.

Maharashtra was formed on May 1, 1960 (National Portal of India, n.d.), specifically to unite Marathi-speaking people. This historical fact means Marathi is deeply woven into the state's identity, making its protection a heartfelt cause for many.

This isn't the first time Maharashtra has resisted what it perceives as an attempt to diminish its language. There's a long history of standing firm against perceived Hindi imposition, with similar tensions arising back in the 1960s and 70s. This collective memory fuels a strong vigilance today.

Adding to this pride, Marathi was officially granted "Classical Language" status in October 2024 (Cabinet approves conferring status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages, 2024) by the Government of India. This prestigious recognition celebrates Marathi's ancient roots, its 2,500-year-old literary heritage, and its significant contributions to Indian culture. It naturally reinforces the determination of Marathi speakers and cultural organizations to preserve and promote their language with even greater zeal.

The Maharashtra government has also been actively promoting Marathi through various initiatives:

• "Classical Marathi Language Day": Every October 3 is celebrated as "Abhijat Marathi Bhasha Din," often followed by a week-long celebration of Marathi culture.
• Mandatory Marathi in Government: Since February 2025, it's become mandatory for officials and visitors in government and semi-government offices to communicate in Marathi, with reasonable exceptions for those who truly can't.
• Marathi Compulsory in All Schools: The Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act, 2020, makes Marathi a mandatory subject across all school boards, including CBSE and ICSE. From the academic year 2025-26, it will even be graded with marks, and school staff are now expected to have basic Marathi skills.
• A New Language Policy: A draft Marathi Language Policy from March 2024 (Maharashtra | Engaging Indian States - CSIS, n.d.) aims to elevate Marathi not just as a spoken language, but as a language of knowledge and employment, expanding its reach across various sectors.

The Other Side of the Coin: Concerns of Non-Marathi Speakers

While the passion for Marathi is understandable, an overly aggressive push for linguistic uniformity can create real challenges and friction for those who don't speak Marathi.

There have been concerning reports of harassment and even assaults where non-Marathi speakers were allegedly targeted for not speaking the language. Incidents reported in places like Mira Road and Thane, reportedly involving MNS workers, have drawn sharp criticism, even from Chief Minister Fadnavis, who has promised strict action against such "hooliganism." While some dismiss these as isolated, their occurrence highlights a worrying undercurrent.

Beyond confrontation, there are broader socio-economic concerns:

• In the unorganized job sector, there can be tensions due to economic competition and demographic shifts, leading to friction between Marathi-speaking locals and migrant populations.
• Some complain about a lack of Marathi services in central government offices, banks, and railway stations within Maharashtra, despite existing directives.
• A significant concern is the potential marginalization of Adivasi (tribal) communities, many of whom speak distinct native languages. If Marathi is exclusively mandated for government services, healthcare, and education, it can create significant barriers for these communities to access essential resources and fully participate in state life.

Many argue that while Marathi pride is vital, it must be pursued in an inclusive way, without intimidation or creating a sense of "otherness." A truly strong Maharashtra embraces its core identity while respecting and integrating all its residents.

The Political Chessboard

The language issue in Maharashtra is a powerful political tool, often dictating alliances and election strategies.

It has, interestingly, provided a rare common ground for estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS). They've shared platforms, consolidating Marathi sentiment and seeking to reclaim their "Marathi asmita" (pride) credentials, especially with crucial local body elections like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls on the horizon. This issue is a potent way to mobilize their base.

The ruling Mahayuti coalition (BJP, Shiv Sena - Shinde faction, and NCP - Ajit Pawar faction) walks a tightrope. They need to show their commitment to Marathi pride, but also condemn any linguistic vigilantism and ensure their policies don't alienate significant sections of the population. The Chief Minister's quick withdrawal of the controversial GRs and his strong words against violence clearly show this balancing act. They've even attempted to shift some blame for the original policy onto the previous government, highlighting just how politically charged this issue is.

It's worth noting that the opposition isn't always against Hindi itself. Leaders like Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) have clarified that their resistance is against its mandatory imposition, especially in primary education, rather than against its voluntary learning. This nuance is important, as it differs from the more deeply rooted anti-Hindi sentiments seen in states like Tamil Nadu. Ultimately, the Maharashtra language debate reflects broader national discussions about regional language protection versus central policies and the true spirit of India's linguistic diversity.

Language and the Law: Constitutional Protections

The ongoing language debate also taps into the fundamental protections enshrined in India's Constitution, designed to safeguard the nation's linguistic diversity.

The Constitution champions linguistic pluralism:

• Article 29 protects the interests of minorities, including their right to preserve their distinct language, script, or culture, and prevents discrimination in educational institutions based on language.
• Article 30 grants linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. These articles are frequently cited by those who feel their linguistic rights are being threatened.

Crucially, Article 345 empowers state legislatures to adopt any one or more languages used in the state, or Hindi, for official purposes. This gives states considerable power over their own linguistic policies.

The NEP 2020's three-language formula ( "NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP 2020), n.d.) is central to this debate. It's important to remember that the NEP makes recommendations, not mandates. It suggests that at least two of the three languages taught should be native to India, with states having the flexibility to choose. Critics of the now-withdrawn Maharashtra government order argued that forcing Hindi in primary classes undermined this flexibility and the spirit of the NEP, which emphasizes learning in one's mother tongue or regional language at foundational levels. The core of this discussion often boils down to whether the three-language formula genuinely fosters multilingualism or serves as a subtle means to promote Hindi.

Conclusion: Finding a Path Forward

The language issue in Maharashtra remains a sensitive and often emotional subject. The government's decision to retract the controversial orders and form an expert committee under Dr. Narendra Jadhav is a significant step towards calming tensions and finding a more widely acceptable solution. This move signals an acknowledgment that true progress requires genuine dialogue and consultation with all affected communities.

Ultimately, navigating this complex landscape demands a commitment to open conversation, mutual respect, and a nuanced understanding of what language means to people. Maharashtra's strength undeniably lies in its vibrant Marathi culture, but also in its capacity to embrace its diverse population. The challenge for leaders and citizens alike is to ensure that Marathi continues to flourish and be celebrated, while simultaneously fostering an environment where every community feels valued and where language acts as a bridge, not a barrier. The future of Maharashtra's linguistic harmony truly depends on finding that delicate balance between fierce pride and welcoming pluralism.

Author is a 3rd Year Law Student, University of Mumbai Law Academy. Views Are Personal.

References:

"NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP 2020). (n.d.). Retrieved from Ministry of Education: chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboi/https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf

Cabinet approves conferring status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. (2024, October 03). Retrieved from Press Information Bureau: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061660

Maharashtra | Engaging Indian States - CSIS. (n.d.). Retrieved from Center for Strategic and International Studies: https://indianstates.csis.org/states/maharashtra/

National Portal of India. (n.d.). Retrieved from knowindia.india.gov.in: https://knowindia.india.gov.in/states-uts/maharashtra.php