Mumbai: MNS urges RSS to intervene over mandatory Hindi in Maharashtra schools

The Raj Thackeray-led MNS, along with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has been vocal in its opposition to the state government’s language policy. Raj Thackeray. File pic

Amid growing opposition to the state government's move to make Hindi a compulsory subject in schools, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has appealed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to step in and help revoke the decision.

In a letter dated April 19 and addressed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande expressed concern over the implementation of Hindi as a mandatory subject under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He warned that enforcing Hindi could spark backlash in states with strong regional identities and risk creating divisions rather than fostering unity among Hindus. Mid-Day has accessed a copy of the letter

"Rather than promoting Hindu unity, this decision will deepen rifts within the community," Deshpande wrote. He urged the RSS to intervene as an ideological guide to ensure the policy is withdrawn before it triggers unrest. "The RSS must take steps to reverse this mandate on Hindi," he added.

The Raj Thackeray-led MNS, along with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has been sharply critical of the language policy introduced by the BJP-led Maharashtra government. Both parties have accused the state of attempting to impose Hindi on Marathi-speaking students.

As per a recent Government Resolution (GR), the current two-language model in schools will be replaced by a three-language system under NEP 2020. Under the revised format, Hindi will become a compulsory subject alongside Marathi and English for students from Classes 1 to 5.