From Classrooms to Streets: How Maharashtra Turned a Language Policy Into a Political Earthquake

National News: In a sudden reversal, the Maharashtra government scrapped its earlier order mandating Hindi from Grade 1. This decision followed statewide protests, academic resistance, and a rising wave of Marathi identity politics. The BJP-led state government, just days ahead of the monsoon session, acknowledged the backlash and shelved both April and June circulars. The ruling alliance faced criticism not just from opposition but also cultural groups. CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the rollback after a high-level cabinet meeting. The government now awaits expert input on implementing the NEP's three-language policy.

United Opposition Upsets Government

Political adversaries came together in rare unity over language rights. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), Raj Thackeray’s MNS, and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) formed a joint front. The opposition had called a large-scale protest march in Mumbai on July 5. With growing momentum, the protest threatened to spiral into a mass movement. The government, already reeling from local body election setbacks, feared further polarization. Withdrawal of the Hindi mandate was seen as a preemptive move. Opposition leaders have now declared July 5 a “Victory March.”

Marathi Pride Fuelled Resistance

The heart of the controversy lay in linguistic identity. Imposing Hindi on Marathi-speaking children was viewed as cultural imposition. Critics argued it diminished Marathi’s status in its own state. Opposition parties weaponized this sentiment into a narrative of regional pride. The memory of past Hindi-Marathi tensions further aggravated concerns. Cultural icons from Maharashtra voiced support for the protest. The issue moved beyond education—it became about survival of linguistic heritage.

Public Backlash Crossed Class Lines

The policy ignited criticism across educational institutions and parent groups. Educators expressed concerns about additional academic burden. Parents feared it would confuse children already adapting to Marathi and English. Social media saw a surge of anti-policy posts, memes, and protest calls. Influential cultural organizations declared the move “linguistic colonization.” This groundswell forced policymakers to reconsider the reach of their educational reforms.

Electoral Fears Prompt Recalculation

Local elections loomed over the policy storm. The Mahayuti alliance had previously gained in state assembly polls but faced losses in Lok Sabha. BJP and allies feared upsetting their regional voter base. Surveys indicated declining urban support after the Hindi mandate. Marathi-speaking voters, a key demographic, began shifting allegiance. Retreating from the policy was aimed at damage control before municipal polls.

NEP Guidelines Misunderstood

The controversy also stemmed from confusion around the National Education Policy. The three-language formula’s implementation lacked clarity. What would be the third language? Would students get to choose? The government’s poor communication created space for panic and rumors. A new committee, led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav, will now address these ambiguities. Only after its recommendations will new policy be finalized.

Opposition Declares Cultural Victory

With the rollback, the opposition called it a triumph of Maharashtra’s soul. Shiv Sena leaders burnt Hindi textbooks symbolically during protests. Raj Thackeray’s MNS declared the move “an attempt to erase roots.” Congress leaders celebrated it as people’s power over authoritarian policy. For now, language wars seem to have paused. But the episode left behind lessons on identity, education, and political overreach.