‘We Will Shut Down Schools’: Raj Thackeray’s Warning to CM Fadnavis Over Hindi Imposition

Thane: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray issued a direct warning to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, vowing to “shut down schools” if the state government makes Hindi a compulsory subject for students in Classes 1 to 5.

Speaking at a political rally in the Mira Bhayandar area, Thackeray called on the people of Maharashtra to remain vigilant and oppose any government efforts to impose the Hindi language. His comments came shortly after MNS workers were reported to have physically assaulted a local shopkeeper who allegedly declined to speak in Marathi.

The controversy stems from the BJP-led government’s recent decision to withdraw two orders that would have mandated Hindi in primary education, following intense political opposition. On Thursday, however, CM Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the three-language formula. He stated that a specially appointed committee would decide whether Hindi instruction should begin in Class 1 or be introduced later in Class 5.

Reacting to this, Thackeray challenged the Chief Minister directly. “When they tried it once, we had shut down shops, and now we will not hesitate to shut down schools if Hindi is imposed,” he declared, calling it “unfortunate” that the state’s own chief minister was pushing for Hindi.

Thackeray further alleged that the move was a political “test” to gauge public reaction for a larger, unstated agenda to eventually “attach Mumbai to Gujarat.” He contrasted the history of the two languages, claiming Marathi has a legacy of 2,500-3,000 years while Hindi is only “200 years old.”

Thackeray Targets BJP MP Nishikant Dubey

In his speech, Thackeray also singled out BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for a reported remark, “patak patak ke marenge” (will beat you up). In a pointed retort, Thackeray dared the MP to visit Mumbai, saying, “Dube-dube ke marenge” (a pun on his name, meaning ‘will make you drown’).

While urging Maharashtrians to insist on using Marathi in all interactions within the state, Thackeray clarified his position. He stated that he is not against any language—noting his father was fluent in Hindi and that he himself speaks it well—but is staunchly opposed to its imposition, which he claimed was being done “under the garb of Hindutva.”