On Saturday, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule stated that any attempt to diminish the importance of Marathi through the forced implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Maharashtra would not be accepted. Sule’s remarks come as the opposition raises concerns over the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 at Marathi and English-medium schools across Maharashtra. This move marks a shift from the previous practice of teaching only two languages.

The MP from Baramati told reporters in Pune, "I was the first to oppose the education minister's statement about making the CBSE board compulsory in Maharashtra. What is the need to replace the existing state board with CBSE? Before discussing the language issue, we must talk about the basic education infrastructure in the state."

Referencing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) published by the Pratham Foundation, which the Centre also cited, she emphasised the importance of assessing students' performance in subjects like mathematics, science, and languages. She cautioned against rushing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), warning that it could harm students, as teachers are not yet ready for the changes. "If the implementation of the NEP in Maharashtra causes any loss to the Marathi language, it will not be tolerated. Marathi will be the priority," Sule affirmed.

She stated that if other languages are being introduced, parents should have the option to choose. "Making anything mandatory is not appropriate. Marathi is the mother tongue of residents of the state and should remain the first language," she stated.

Sule also criticised the Sassoon General Hospital's report on the death of a pregnant woman who was allegedly refused admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to non-payment of a Rs 10 lakh deposit. She claimed the report was lenient towards the hospital and the gynaecologist, and said such a report "should be burnt."

The NCP (SP) leader raised concerns over the appointment of retired bureaucrat Pravin Pardeshi as the chief economic advisor to the chief minister. She questioned why only one advisor was chosen when many well-known economists are available in Pune and Mumbai. She also pointed out that Maharashtra struggles with fiscal deficit and debt management, while other states handle these matters more effectively.

"With regards to implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, investment and budget management, Maharashtra does not figure in the top five or 10 states. The report released on Friday shows that the top-performing states are not governed by double-engine governments," Sule expressed. "After receiving a huge mandate, a stable and progressive government was expected. Unfortunately, in the last 100 days, there has been no remarkable progress," she further said.