‘Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite for a joint protest defending Marathi language rights, opposing the Maharashtra government’s three-language formula that introduces Hindi from Class 1. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders will share the stage on July 5 in a rare show of unity against what they call the “imposition” of Hindi on Marathi-speaking students.
The state’s amended order mandates Hindi as the third language for Classes 1-5 in Marathi and English medium schools, sparking fierce backlash. Addressing simultaneous press conferences, both Uddhav and Raj vowed to resist the move. Uddhav initially pledged to join a civil society protest on July 7, while Raj planned a non-political march on July 6.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut confirmed Friday that the two leaders agreed on a joint protest on July 5 to avoid a clash with Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations. “There’s only an issue of timing, as Raj Thackeray suggested 10 am, which may not be convenient for many,” Raut added, saying discussions were underway to finalise the schedule.
The joint action comes amid speculation of a political rapprochement between the Thackeray cousins, with leaders comparing the fight to the historic Samyukt Maharashtra movement that led to the state’s formation in 1960. Raut warned of renewed attempts to marginalise Marathi people and break Mumbai from Maharashtra, calling for unity among all parties.
MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande praised the joint effort, saying, “As a Marathi manoos, I am happy Raj saheb took the lead and Uddhav saheb reciprocated.” Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reiterated that Marathi remains compulsory in schools, and Hindi will be optional.
Under the state’s policy, Hindi will “generally” be taught as a third language, unless at least 20 students in a grade opt for another Indian language, in which case alternative arrangements will be made. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse clarified there would be no textbooks for Classes 1 and 2; instead, oral instruction with songs and pictures will be used.
