What's behind the govt-Oppn language war in Maharashtra?

The state government's push for a three-language policy in primary school education has witnessed intense resistance from the Opposition, which has now escalated with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray all set for a joint rally against the "imposition of Hindi" in the state on July 5.

- HT Correspondents

MUMBAI: Here's a look at the genesis of language politics and its fall-out.

Politics and flip-flops On April 16, the Mahayuti government declared that Hindi would be made the mandatory third language from Classes 1 to 5 in government and private schools. The move was part of phased implementation of the union government's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the primary school level, from the 2025-26 academic year.

It triggered strong opposition from political, social and cultural groups following which the decision was amended.