Sat Jul 05 08:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, summarizing the key points:
**Maharashtra Government Backs Down on Hindi Language Policy, Sparks Political Firestorm**
**Mumbai, India** – The Maharashtra state government has reversed its decision on a controversial policy mandating the compulsory teaching of Hindi in schools. This move has been celebrated by both Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, who both vehemently opposed the policy. Leaders of the two parties are expected to hold a joint rally.
However, the victory has been overshadowed by a heated exchange between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and BJP spokesperson Naveen Jindal. Jindal has launched a scathing attack on Thackeray, questioning his authority over Maharashtra and using inflammatory language. Jindal, the BJP’s former media head, posted a message on X platform where he questioned,”Raj Thackeray ke baap ka Maharashtra hain kya?”(Is Maharashtra Raj Thackeray’s father’s property?).
Jindal has also labeled Thackeray a “street thug” who deserves to be jailed for sedition and challenged him to force Mumbai’s “peacekeepers” (a likely reference to the Muslim community) to speak Marathi.
The BJP officially supports a three-language formula, including the introduction of Hindi from the first grade. This stance clashes directly with the views of both Thackeray factions, bringing them closer together politically.
The planned victory rally comes amidst rising tensions between Marathi and non-Marathi speakers in Mumbai. It remains to be seen how the MNS will respond to Jindal’s harsh criticism and whether this controversy will further inflame existing divisions.
First Piper 