Will shut schools if Hindi is imposed from Class 1 in Maharashtra: Raj Thackeray

MIRA/BHAYANDaR: MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said if Hindi was made mandatory for Classes 1 to 5 in schools in Maharashtra, his party will “shut down schools”.

Speaking at a rally in Mira Bhayandar , he referred to CM Devendra Fadnavis’s latest reported statement that the three-language policy will be implemented in the state.

Earlier this month, the BJP-led govt withdrew its order making Hindi mandatory in primary schools following strong opposition by several organisations and political parties including the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Raj’s estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray. Speaking at the rally, Raj also said he was not opposed to any language, but would not tolerate compulsion.

Raj warned the traders who had protested by holding a rally against the assault on a Mira Road shop-keeper by MNS activists that “there are Marathi traders as well and if we don’t buy from you, then what will you sell?”