Maharashtra Monsoon Session Begins with Protests: MVA Slams Mahayuti Government’s Compulsory Hindi Policy, Demands Accountability Despite Rollback

Mumbai: The monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature opened on Monday with high drama as opposition leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) took to the streets outside Vidhan Bhavan to protest the government’s push to make Hindi compulsory in schools.

Shouting slogans and holding placards, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar group) accused the Mahayuti government of disrespecting Marathi language and culture. Key figures such as Aaditya Thackeray, Ambadas Danve, Sachin Ahir, and Jitendra Awhad led the protest.

The controversy began after the state government passed two orders in April and June to enforce a three-language policy from Class 1 — Marathi, English, and Hindi. But following a wave of anger from parents, educators, and opposition parties, the government withdrew these orders just a day before the session started.

However, the rollback failed to calm the opposition. Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut challenged Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis over claims that the previous MVA government had accepted recommendations for such a policy. “If Uddhav Thackeray approved this report, show us proof. We’re ready for debate,” Raut said, accusing the BJP of trying to push a national agenda at the cost of regional identity.

To review the language policy, the state has formed a new committee under Dr. Narendra Jadhav. Still, opposition leaders say they will continue to raise the issue in the House and on the streets until full clarity and accountability are provided.