Pune: As the political tussle between Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) intensifies over the Hindi language row, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s recent remark has stirred fresh controversy. During the inauguration of the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre, built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune’s Kondhwa, Shinde concluded his speech with “Jai Gujarat” in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shinde, who recited couplets in praise of Shah, ended his speech with “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra… Jai Gujarat.” His remarks came shortly after the state government revoked its April 16 order making Hindi a compulsory third language for Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools—a move withdrawn following widespread opposition from political and civil society groups.

Criticising the Deputy CM, NCP (SP) leader Clyde Crasto accused Shinde of being “power-hungry,” linking the slogan to the fact that both Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hail from Gujarat.

However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Shinde, stating, “Just because he said ‘Jai Gujarat’ doesn’t mean he loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra. Such narrow-minded thinking is uncharacteristic of Marathi people.”

The controversy coincided with another language-related incident, as viral videos showed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers assaulting shopkeepers in Mumbai for allegedly not speaking Marathi. Responding to the violence, Fadnavis said that while Marathi must be respected, lawlessness in its name will not be tolerated. “Hooliganism in the name of Marathi will not be allowed,” he added.

Shiv Sena leader and State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik also condemned the MNS’s actions, questioning their exclusive claim to defending Marathi pride. “No one has the right to break the law or target ordinary workers for political or monetary gain,” Sarnaik said. He emphasized that his party, too, is proud of its Marathi and Hindutva identity, and warned against intimidating traders.

The entire issue has resurfaced ahead of the upcoming civic polls, following the now-withdrawn proposal by the BJP-led government to introduce Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state-run schools. DeshGujarat