Tue Jun 24 07:01:54 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Three-Language Row: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut Accuses Maharashtra Government of Insulting Marathi**
Mumbai – June 24, 2025 – Amidst ongoing debate over the three-language formula in Maharashtra schools, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of insulting the Marathi language. Raut criticized the government’s decision to hold multiple meetings on the issue, questioning Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ insistence on Hindi instruction.
“There is no need to force the learning of Hindi in Maharashtra,” Raut stated. “Why is CM Devendra Fadnavis insisting on it?” He further alleged that Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were “enemies of Maharashtra” and challenged Shinde to question the BJP’s lack of a similar Hindi mandate in Gujarat.
Raut also took aim at Marathi literary figures and celebrities, questioning their silence on the matter. He pointed out that many have received awards and accolades from the government, making them hesitant to speak out. He specifically mentioned actors like Nana Patekar, Prashant Damle, and Madhuri Dixit, as well as Marathi cricketers, for their lack of vocal support for the Marathi language.
Furthermore, Raut questioned the moral authority of cabinet ministers and literary figures whose children attend English-medium schools to advocate for the preservation of Marathi. “My own children studied in Marathi-medium schools. But most cabinet ministers and literary figures have admitted their children in English-medium schools. They have no moral right to speak about conserving the Marathi language,” he said.
The state government’s amended order, proposing Hindi as a third language for students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5, has sparked considerable controversy. While the government maintains that Hindi is not compulsory, the requirement of consent from at least 20 students per grade to study any Indian language other than Hindi has raised concerns. Chief Minister Fadnavis has stated that a final decision will be made after consultations with stakeholders.
Raut dismissed these consultations as meaningless, stating, “All this government needs to do is issue an order and withdraw the decision. He (Shinde) is only spoiling the atmosphere. Holding such meetings again and again is an insult to the Marathi language.”
**Summary of the Text:**
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the Maharashtra government’s three-language formula, which proposes Hindi as a third language in schools. He accused the government of insulting Marathi, questioned the necessity of Hindi instruction, and attacked the silence of Marathi literary figures and celebrities, attributing it to their government associations. He also criticized ministers and figures whose children attend English-medium schools for lacking the moral ground to advocate for Marathi.
First Piper 