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‘Can’t spoil children’s future’: Supriya Sule affirms NCP-SP’s participation in ‘Three Language Policy’ stir

Supriya Sule also 'red-flags' Shaktipeeth Mahamarga's finances

supriya sule, language policy, indian express

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule clarified that while a committee might have recommended Hindi, committees only provide recommendations, and the final decision rests with the government. (Source: Express Archives)

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday affirmed the party’s participation in the Hindi language imposition protest to be held on July 5, jointly organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT).

While addressing reporters in Nagpur, Sule accused the Maharashtra government of “attempting to spoil the future of children” by making Hindi compulsory up to Class 4 under the ‘Three Language Policy’. She stressed that language education is an ‘important social issue’ and not a political one, which should be taken very seriously with the guidance of experts.

On the Maharashtra government mandating Hindi as the default third language in schools, NCP(SP) MP Sule said, “This is an important social issue for us. It is not a political issue. Language education is an issue that should be taken very seriously. We should move forward under the guidance of experts. No other state is working in this manner. I don’t understand why Maharashtra is taking such an insistent stance. We cannot spoil the future of children to please someone. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) will participate in the march (announced by Shiv Sena-UBT along with Raj Thackeray) with full force. Education is a serious issue for us.”

She also clarified that while a committee might have recommended Hindi, committees only provide recommendations, and the final decision rests with the government. She refuted claims that the decision was made during the Mahavikas Aghadi government

Speaking on the issue of Shaktipeeth Mahamarga, Sule highlighted that the Finance Ministry has ‘red-flagged’ or noted concerns about the high cost of the project. She stated that the Shaktipeeth Expressway project’s budget exceeds the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, and if the cost burden increases, “22% of the government’s funds would be consumed solely by repayments,” she said.

Shaktipeeth Mahamarga is touted as a transformative route connecting key religious and economic regions.

She also pointed out that the loan for the Shaktipeeth Expressway project is being acquired at a higher interest rate, which is unusual for special projects that typically receive loans at 6.35 per cent. Furthermore, she mentioned considerable opposition to land acquisition in affected areas and that experts suggested upgrading the existing road instead of building a new parallel one. Sule found it “a cause for serious concern” if the state’s finance department is raising objections, likening it to a household spending significantly more than it earns.

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Sule also held a meeting with party workers in Nagpur to discuss the party’s preparation for local body elections. Sule said, “Any political party is ready for polls 24/7, and when they are not busy in elections, they are serving people. We will decide on names when the dates for local body elections approach.”

During her visit to Nagpur, Sule also paid her respects to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi.

Ankita Deshkar

Ankita Deshkar is a Deputy Copy Editor and a dedicated fact-checker at The Indian Express. Based in Maharashtra, she specializes in bridging the gap between technical complexity and public understanding. With a deep focus on Cyber Law, Information Technology, and Public Safety, she leads "The Safe Side" series, where she deconstructs emerging digital threats and financial scams. Ankita is also a certified trainer for the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, specializing in online verification and the fight against misinformation. She is also an AI trainer with ADiRA (AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement) Professional Background & Expertise Role: Fact-checker & Deputy Copy Editor, The Indian Express Experience: Started working in 2016 Ankita brings a unique multidisciplinary background to her journalism, combining engineering logic with mass communication expertise. Her work often intersects regional governance, wildlife conservation, and digital rights, making her a leading voice on issues affecting Central India, particularly the Vidarbha region. Key focus areas include: Fact-Checking & Verification: As a GNI-certified trainer, she conducts workshops on debunking deepfakes, verifying viral claims, and using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools. Cyber Law & IT: With postgraduate specialization in Cyber Law, she decodes the legalities of data privacy, digital fraud, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. Public Safety & Health: Through her "The Safe Side" column, she provides actionable intelligence on avoiding "juice jacking," "e-SIM scams," and digital extortion. Regional Reporting: She provides on-ground coverage of high-stakes issues in Maharashtra, from Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli to critical healthcare updates and wildlife-human conflict in Nagpur. Education & Credentials Ankita is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, focusing on the non-verbal communication through Indian classical dance forms. Her academic foundation includes: MA in Mass Communication (RTM Nagpur University) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (RTM Nagpur University) Post Graduate Diploma (PGTD) in Cyber Law and Information Technology Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights Recent Notable Coverage Ankita’s reportage is recognized for its investigative depth and emphasis on accountability: Cyber Security: "Lost money to a scam? Act within the 'golden hour' or risk losing it all" — A deep dive into the critical window for freezing fraudulent transactions. Public Health: "From deep coma to recovery: First fully recovered Coldrif patient discharged" — Investigating the aftermath of pharmaceutical toxins and the healthcare response. Governance & Conflict: "Gadchiroli now looks like any normal city: SP Neelotpal" — An analysis of the socio-political shift in Maoist-affected regions. Signature Beat Ankita is best known for her ability to translate "technical jargon into human stories." Whether she is explaining how AI tools like MahaCrimeOS assist the police or exposing the dire conditions of wildlife transit centres, her writing serves as a bridge between specialized knowledge and everyday safety. Contact & Follow X (Twitter): @ankita_deshkar Email: ankita.deshkar@indianexpress.com ... Read More

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