Third language row: Some are playing politics, says Shinde

Mumbai: Four days after a govt resolution (GR) said Hindi will not be mandatory as the third language for state board Marathi- and English-medium schools from Classes 1-5, deputy CM
Eknath Shinde
on Sunday said some were indulging in politics over the issue despite clarifications from CM Devendra Fadnavis and education minister Dada Bhuse.
He asserted that students can learn a language of their choice. As per the GR, students are free to choose any Indian language as the third language, but in-class learning will be offered only if there are at least 20 students, else those classes will be held online.
Shinde said for local body polls, Mahayuti parties will fight together, as they did in LS and assembly polls. He said he maintains good ties with MNS chief Raj Thackeray and there was nothing political about it. Shinde rebutted claims that the Marathi Rangbhoomi Dalan (Marathi theatre hub) project announced by the MVA govt in 2021 has been "secretly cancelled". —Chaitanya Marpakwar

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