Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday alleged that the state’s now-revoked three-language policy was a precursor to a larger conspiracy to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. His comments came as he shared the political stage with his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, for the first time in nearly two decades.
Addressing the massive “Awaj Marathicha” victory rally in Mumbai, Raj remarked in a lighter vein that Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had done what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not—bring the two estranged cousins together.
The rally was organized to celebrate the government’s rollback of two controversial government resolutions that mandated Hindi as a third compulsory language from Class 1 in state-run schools.
“The Maharashtra government was forced to withdraw its decision because of the unity shown by Marathi people. But make no mistake—this three-language formula was a step towards the plan to detach Mumbai from Maharashtra,” Raj declared, with Uddhav seated beside him on stage.
The rare joint appearance of the Thackeray cousins has ignited fresh speculation about a possible political realignment as Maharashtra heads into crucial elections.
