Facing widespread resistance across Maharashtra, the state government finally has revoked both government resolutions (GRs) mandating the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory subject from Grade 1 under the three-language formula. The announcement marks a major policy reversal and follows weeks of political criticism and public opposition.
In response, the state has now declared the formation of a committee under the chairmanship of education expert Dr. Narendra Jadhav to re-evaluate the language policy. The final decision on language inclusion under the three-language formula will be made only after the committee submits its report.
The rollback comes just days before a massive joint protest march that was scheduled for July 5 in Mumbai, led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The march was set to be a rare public show of unity between the two Thackeray cousins.
Reacting to the government’s decision, Raj Thackeray issued a statement on social media, calling the withdrawal a direct result of the pressure exerted by the people of Maharashtra. “This wasn’t a delayed realization by the government, it was the force of public resistance,” he wrote. He also raised questions about why the government was so persistent about enforcing Hindi and hinted at possible external pressure, calling it “still a mystery.”
Thackeray hailed the decision as a victory for Marathi identity and culture. He noted that MNS had raised its voice against the Hindi imposition as early as April 2025, which gradually ignited political debate and united opposition parties.
The July 5 protest had gained support from various political and social groups, including the Congress party, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, and Ambedkarite organizations. Many observers had anticipated the march to be “historic” in terms of political alignment. Although the main objective of the protest has been achieved, Uddhav Thackeray announced that the event will still take place but in a new form, as a “victory rally” or “celebratory gathering.” He has invited all those who opposed the imposition of Hindi to join the event.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following the announcement of the GR withdrawal, urged that the July 5 rally be called off, stating that since the decision has already been reversed, holding the rally would unnecessarily inconvenience the public.
The developments have also sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement between the two Thackeray cousins, who have been estranged since their split from the original Shiv Sena. While the two have appeared together at family functions, they have remained politically divided and have at times criticized each other sharply. However, with the Mumbai municipal and local body elections on the horizon, Uddhav Thackeray has publicly expressed openness to an alliance. Raj Thackeray, notably, has not dismissed the possibility either.
