Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray sharply criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday for prioritizing Hindi education for schoolchildren while ignoring the need to teach Marathi to migrant workers, amid a heated language policy debate. Speaking at the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) foundation day event in Panvel, Thackeray accused the Mahayuti government of neglecting the “Marathi manoos” and “bhoomiputra” (sons of the soil), particularly in Raigad district, where rapid urbanization threatens farmers’ lands.

“Fadnavis thinks about teaching Hindi to kids but not Marathi to outsiders working here,” Thackeray said, joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies from NCP (SP). He condemned land acquisitions for industries in Raigad, including Navi Mumbai and Panvel, alleging Marathi middlemen facilitate deals that harm local farmers. “Industries cannot rise on the tombs of Marathi manoos. Respect our people first,” he asserted, demanding 100% Marathi youth employment at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Thackeray also dared the government to arrest protesters opposing the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, which he claims threatens local rights. Referencing his rare joint appearance with Uddhav Thackeray last month to celebrate the rollback of two government resolutions imposing Hindi in schools, he questioned being labeled “parochial” for advocating Marathi pride. “Two saffron flags fly on PWP’s red stage,” he noted, signaling MVA unity.

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The language row, sparked by a July 2025 policy mandating Hindi for classes 1-5, has fueled MNS’s campaign, with Thackeray alleging 60% of Raigad’s workforce comprises non-Marathi migrants. With Maharashtra’s 2025 assembly polls looming, his push for Marathi representation aims to rally 70 lakh Marathi voters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, challenging the BJP’s 45% vote share in 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

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