Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has voiced her concerns over recent violence linked to Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), emphasizing that the focus should remain on the opposition to the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Speaking to NDTV, Chaturvedi condemned the attacks on non-Marathi speakers, including a Rajasthani-origin shopkeeper in Mumbai, but highlighted that the underlying issue is the Maharashtra government’s decision to mandate Hindi as a third language for Class I students.

Chaturvedi criticized the media for overlooking the opposition’s stance against this language policy, which she argues should not be forced upon young students. She also pointed out inflammatory remarks by certain BJP members, including Nishikant Dubey, which she believes have exacerbated tensions. Chaturvedi clarified that while she does not condone the violence perpetrated by MNS members, it is crucial to address the root cause of the unrest—the government’s language mandate.

The controversy began when the Maharashtra government issued an order in April requiring students from Class I to V to learn Hindi as a third language. This decision sparked protests from pro-Marathi groups who viewed it as an attempt to undermine Marathi culture. Although the government modified and eventually rolled back the order in June due to mounting opposition, Chaturvedi and MNS leaders claim credit for this reversal, using it as a platform to strengthen their political alliance ahead of upcoming elections.

Chaturvedi, a first-generation migrant to Mumbai, emphasized her personal experience of integration and acceptance in Maharashtra despite speaking limited Marathi. She argued that respect for Marathi culture does not equate to opposition against Hindi but rather a call for linguistic diversity and choice. The ongoing debate highlights broader issues of cultural identity and linguistic rights within India’s diverse society.