“Why Hindi Mandate in Maharashtra but Not Gujarat?” Supriya Sule Challenges Centre’s Language Policy
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule has raised concerns over the mandatory three-language policy in Maharashtra, particularly the requirement to teach Hindi from Class 1. Speaking at the Media, Sule questioned why Maharashtra faces this mandate when states like Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha are exempt, accusing the central government of inconsistent education policies.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's son and party leader Amit Thackeray also present at the stage where both parties are holding a joint rally after the… pic.twitter.com/ACD5u9aOaD
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During her visit, Sule also reflected on her recent international engagements representing India. She stressed the need to prioritize national, state, party, and family interests in global discussions amid ongoing conflicts. Sule noted that the Indian diaspora abroad expressed admiration for historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi during these interactions.
On education, Sule criticized the Hindi imposition as a step backward, pointing to challenges like teacher shortages and declining school standards. She argued that education policies should stem from expert input, not political agendas, and questioned the logic of increasing students’ language burden while claiming to reduce their workload. Sule also highlighted the government’s skewed priorities, noting significant investments in projects while schools and hospitals remain underfunded.
Sule further voiced opposition to the Public Safety Act, warning that it could be used to silence dissent in a democratic society. She argued that agencies like the NIA are sufficient to address issues like Naxalism and urged the government to focus on pressing concerns like malnutrition instead.
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On a positive note, Sule welcomed the unity between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS leader Raj Thackeray on the Marathi language issue. She described their reconciliation, marked by a victory rally at NSCI Dome in Worli celebrating the reversal of the Hindi mandate, as a moment of pride for the Marathi community, ending two decades of political estrangement.