Mumbai: Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to lead joint protest against Hindi ‘imposition’

In an important political development, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to share the stage for the first time in nearly two decades, leading a joint protest march in Mumbai on 6 July against what they call the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra.

The symbolic demonstration will see members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) walk together from Girgaon Chowpatty to Azad Maidan, marking a rare moment of unity between the two leaders.

The decision was confirmed by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who termed the march a “historic and mega protest” against the state government’s recent directive to implement Hindi as the third language in primary schools.

The move by the BJP-led Mahayuti government, allowing Hindi to be taught as the default third language in Marathi- and English-medium schools from Classes 1 to 5 — unless at least 20 students in a class opt for another language—has stirred sharp criticism from both parties.

Uddhav and Raj, in separate press conferences earlier, decried the decision, calling it a threat to the Marathi identity and an attempt to dilute regional culture.

Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a delegation of language activists, accused the state government of triggering a “language emergency” in Maharashtra.

“This is not a fight against Hindi as a language but against its compulsion. We will not allow such imposition in our state,” he said. He added that the government’s intent was to stoke division for political mileage. “This is a bid to disrupt the harmony between Marathi and Hindi-speaking communities.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Raj Thackeray criticised the policy as a “conspiracy” to undermine Marathi’s status in its own state. Announcing the rally, he appealed to Marathi writers, parents, students, and political leaders to participate. “This rally will not bear any political flag. It will be led by the Marathi people. We want to show what Maharashtra truly wants,” he said.

Although the cousins initially planned separate protests, the decision to merge them has intensified speculation about a possible political rapprochement ahead of civic elections. “Maharashtra is bigger than any personal differences,” Raj remarked, when asked whether leaders from other parties, including Uddhav’s, would be invited.

Uddhav, while stopping short of confirming his participation in the MNS event at the time, warned that the BJP’s language policy aligned with its broader agenda of enforcing a “one party, one leader, one language” regime. He linked the move to earlier remarks by BJP national president JP Nadda, suggesting an intent to eliminate political pluralism.

Highlighting Maharashtra’s linguistic diversity and cultural stature—especially as the home of the Hindi film industry—Uddhav questioned the rationale behind the imposition. “Marathi people understand Hindi well. Why then impose it?” he said, while pledging to continue his party’s opposition until the decision is rolled back.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also accused the government of using the language controversy to distract from mounting allegations of corruption. “With the state legislature session starting Monday, this issue will dominate headlines, helping the government evade accountability on other fronts,” he said.

In response, Maharashtra’s Marathi Language Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Uday Samant refuted the allegations, asserting that the policy in question originated under Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure as chief minister.

He pointed to the formation of a task force in October 2020 to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) and a cabinet decision in January 2022 endorsing the three-language formula.

“The Mashelkar committee, constituted by the MVA government, recommended the mandatory teaching of Hindi, English and Marathi from Class 1 to 12. If they were against it, why did they approve it then?” Samant said, accusing the opposition of politicising the issue with an eye on upcoming municipal elections.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in, stressing that Hindi remains optional and that Marathi will remain compulsory. “There is no imposition,” he said.

As the political storm intensifies, all eyes are now on the 6 July march, which could mark the beginning of a new political alignment in Maharashtra — and a defining moment in the state's ongoing debate over linguistic identity.