Devendra Fadnavis: Devendra Fadnavis Targets Thackeray Brothers Over Hindi Imposition Row

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a press conference today where he addressed several key issues, including the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged imposition of Hindi in the state. The press interaction took place in the backdrop of the BJP's internal election process for the post of state president.

Highlighting the democratic progress within the BJP, Fadnavis said, “For the first time, more than 1,200 mandals were established across Maharashtra. Following that, the presidents of 80 organizational districts were democratically elected. Now, the election process for the state president has begun, and today, in the presence of Union Minister and Election Observer Kiren Rijiju, the official nomination of our colleague Shri Ravindra Chavan was filed.”

Turning his attention to the Hindi language controversy, Fadnavis took a sharp dig at the Thackeray brothers — Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. “There was a proposal during the Uddhav Thackeray government to make Hindi compulsory from Class 1 to 12. That proposal was accepted by the then cabinet,” he said. “Our current government, without any arrogance, has formed a committee focused on students’ welfare. The final decision will be taken based on that committee’s recommendations,” he clarified.

Responding to speculation about a possible alliance between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis commented, “If they are coming together, they should ask each other tough questions. The decision to make Hindi mandatory was taken during Uddhavji's tenure — why is Raj Thackeray not questioning that now?”

Fadnavis also criticized the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) for what he called “hypocrisy” over the Hindi language issue. “When they were in power, they supported mandatory Hindi. Now, they are opposing it — that’s sheer duplicity. The BJP remains accountable to the people of Maharashtra and the Constitution,” he added.