Senior Congress leader Nana Patole has launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, alleging a deliberate conspiracy behind the recent government directive related to the Hindi language. According to Patole, the move is intended to distract public attention from pressing issues facing the state.
In his statement to the media, Patole questioned the timing of the government's decision. “Why was the controversial Hindi language directive issued immediately after a meeting between Devendra Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray? This is not a coincidence, but a calculated political move,” he alleged.
Patole said Maharashtra is currently grappling with numerous critical challenges, including like Massive crop damage due to unseasonal rains, Widespread demands for farm loan waivers, Economic strain on the state government, Growing unemployment and inflation and Public anger against the ruling administration.
“In such a situation, the government has neither the funds nor the answers. So, they have intentionally raked up the Hindi language controversy to divert attention,” Patole claimed.
He accused both Fadnavis and Thackeray of having no genuine interest in students, education, or linguistic issues. “This is not about education—it is purely political. Municipal and local body elections, including the BMC polls, are approaching. The aim is to polarize voters and benefit the BJP and MNS,” he said.
While Patole reiterated the importance of preserving Marathi language and culture, he criticized the political motives behind the Hindi directive. “No one disputes that children shouldn’t be burdened with mandatory Hindi from the first grade. The issue was never educational. It was given a political twist,” he said.
He also pointed out the government’s inconsistency. “Just days ago, the state said Hindi wouldn’t be made compulsory from the first standard. But suddenly, after Fadnavis meets Raj Thackeray, a controversial government resolution (GR) is issued. This clearly exposes the political agenda,” Patole said.
