Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday hit back at criticism over the state’s controversial three-language policy, defending the inclusion of Hindi while accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray of double standards.

Addressing reporters, Fadnavis said, “We are not against the Hindi language. We are not against any language of the nation. When they (Uddhav Thackeray) were in power, they had made mandatory the teaching of Hindi, which the Raghunath Mashelkar Committee recommended.”

Taking a swipe at the former ally-turned-rival, Fadnavis further remarked, “‘Palturam’ is the correct name for him (Uddhav Thackeray).”

The remarks come in the backdrop of heated protests led by the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) against the earlier government resolution making Hindi a compulsory third language from classes 1 to 5 in schools. Amid backlash, the Fadnavis government had amended the order to make Hindi optional and eventually withdrew both orders altogether.

Fadnavis clarified that a new committee has been formed to study the issue and suggest a viable way forward. “We have formed a committee that will study it and present its report,” he added.