Not only Opposition parties, but even one of the two deputy chief ministers, Ajit Pawar, is of the opinion that Hindi should not be introduced as a subject for students from Std I to IV. Pawar’s view contradicts the Mahayuti (comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Eknath Shinde-headed Shiv Sena) decision to implement a three-language format in all schools across Maharashtra.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Pawar said, “Imposing an additional language at such a young age will overburden children who already have a packed syllabus.” He further stated that no one is against any language, including Hindi, but it should be introduced in schools from Std V onward.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting to review the three-language format in Maharashtra. The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, and senior officials of the department, was convened following opposition from the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.