Marathi Identity and Language Politics in Maharashtra

The three-language formula under India’s 2020 National Education Policy has stirred political tensions in Maharashtra. The state government withdrew controversial orders that made Hindi compulsory from Class one in state schools. This triggered a rare political reunion between cousins and rivals Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. Both leaders emphasised Marathi pride and criticised the BJP-led state government for allegedly undermining Maharashtra’s identity and shifting key projects to other states.

Background of the Language Controversy

The 2020 National Education Policy recommended students learn at least two native languages. Maharashtra’s government orders made Hindi mandatory, sparking protests. Critics saw this as an imposition threatening Marathi language and culture. The government eventually withdrew the orders following political pressure and public outcry.

Political Reunion of Thackeray Cousins

Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena reunited publicly after 20 years. Their rally in Mumbai focused on protecting Marathi identity and opposing perceived BJP attempts to weaken Maharashtra. Both accused the BJP of trying to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra by favouring Gujarat in economic projects.

Economic Rivalry with Gujarat

Opposition leaders pointed to the relocation of major projects like the Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant and Tata-Airbus assembly to Gujarat. The International Financial Services Centre project in Mumbai was overtaken by Gujarat’s GIFT city. These moves fuelled accusations of Gujarat’s economic upstaging of Maharashtra.

Historical Roots of Maharashtra-Gujarat Divide

Maharashtra and Gujarat were carved out of Bombay state in 1960 after violent linguistic agitations. The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement ensured Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra due to its Marathi majority and cultural significance. Over 100 people died in protests. The movement shaped Maharashtra’s strong Marathi identity.

Marathi Manoos and Political Mobilisation

Bal Thackeray founded Shiv Sena in 1966 to champion Marathi rights. The party targeted outsiders in jobs and politics, initially South Indians, later North Indians. Its slogans stirred regional pride and resentment. Shiv Sena’s influence grew with this identity politics, which continues to shape Maharashtra’s elections.

Contemporary Political Dynamics

The BJP’s rise since 2014 has intensified cultural and linguistic debates. Maharashtra parties accuse the BJP of favouring Gujarat due to its leaders’ origins. The Hindi imposition issue has helped Shiv Sena regain support. Raj Thackeray credits BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis for uniting the Thackeray factions. Their alliance may impact upcoming Mumbai municipal elections.

Regional Disputes and Marathi Language

Maharashtra has ongoing disputes with Karnataka over Marathi-speaking areas. Despite political demands, these issues have not yielded major electoral gains. Marathi language and identity remain potent political tools within Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai where diverse communities coexist.

Impact on Mumbai’s Political Landscape

Mumbai is the economic and cultural hub of Maharashtra. Political parties use Marathi pride to mobilise voters. The unity of Shiv Sena and MNS could challenge BJP’s dominance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Language and identity politics continue to influence Maharashtra’s governance and development.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of language politics in shaping regional identities in India with suitable examples.
2. Explain the impact of linguistic reorganisation of states on India’s political and social landscape. How did it affect Maharashtra and Gujarat?
3. What are the challenges and benefits of implementing a multi-language education policy in a diverse country like India? Comment with examples.
4. Underline the significance of regional parties in Indian democracy and their role in representing cultural identities. How do they influence national politics?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of language politics in shaping regional identities in India with suitable examples.

1. Language as a core marker of cultural and regional identity, e.g., Marathi in Maharashtra, Tamil in Tamil Nadu.
2. Linguistic movements like Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (Mumbai in Maharashtra) and Andhra Pradesh formation via Potti Sreeramulu’s fast.
3. Language-based state reorganisation (1956 onwards) institutionalised regional identities politically.
4. Language politics often fuels regional pride but can also trigger exclusionary or divisive sentiments (e.g., Shiv Sena’s Marathi manoos politics).
5. Contemporary examples – Three-language formula controversy in Maharashtra; Tamil Nadu’s anti-Hindi agitations.
6. Language politics influences electoral mobilization, policy decisions, and inter-state relations (e.g., Maharashtra-Karnataka border disputes).

2. Explain the impact of linguistic reorganisation of states on India’s political and social landscape. How did it affect Maharashtra and Gujarat?

1. Created states on linguistic lines to preserve cultural identities and reduce ethnic conflicts.
2. Led to political empowerment of regional groups and rise of regional parties (e.g., Shiv Sena in Maharashtra).
3. Maharashtra-Gujarat bifurcation (1960) followed violent agitations, especially the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
4. Mumbai retained by Maharashtra due to Marathi majority and cultural significance, shaping economic and political power balance.
5. Reorganisation encourageed regional pride but also sowed seeds of inter-state rivalry (e.g., Maharashtra vs Gujarat economic competition).
6. Set precedent for other linguistic demands, influencing India’s federal structure and diversity management.

3. What are the challenges and benefits of implementing a multi-language education policy in a diverse country like India? Comment with examples.

1. Benefits – Promotes multilingualism, preserves regional languages, and encourages national integration (NEP 2020’s three-language formula).
2. Encourages cognitive development and cultural awareness among students.
3. Challenges – Imposition fears (e.g., Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra schools led to protests), resource constraints, and teacher availability.
4. Regional resistance due to perceived threat to local languages and identities (e.g., Tamil Nadu’s anti-Hindi stance).
5. Balancing regional, national, and global languages (English) is complex in policy and implementation.
6. Successful implementation requires sensitivity to local sentiments and adequate infrastructure.

4. Underline the significance of regional parties in Indian democracy and their role in representing cultural identities. How do they influence national politics?

1. Regional parties articulate local aspirations, protect linguistic and cultural identities (e.g., Shiv Sena’s Marathi manoos plank).
2. They fill gaps left by national parties, addressing region-specific issues and grievances.
3. Often act as kingmakers in coalition governments at state and national levels.
4. Influence national policies by leveraging regional demands and electoral weight (e.g., DMK, TMC, Shiv Sena).
5. Regional parties can encourage regional pride but sometimes promote parochialism or identity politics.
6. Shiv Sena and MNS alliance shows how regional identity politics can challenge dominant national parties like BJP in Maharashtra.