Did the Thackeray Brothers' Unity Against Hindi Imposition Showcase the Strength of Marathi People?

Mumbai, June 30 (NationPress) Shiv Sena MP, Sanjay Raut, remarked on Monday that the Maharashtra government's decision to retract its plan to implement Hindi as a third language alongside Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5 represents a significant step towards the triumph achieved by the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, through their united front.

“This marks just the beginning; many more victories are on the horizon. We are committed to maintaining unity in the forthcoming elections for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation and other local bodies. Our goal is to secure power in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai,” Raut emphasized during a press conference.

He also announced the cancellation of the morcha scheduled for July 5, which was originally planned in response to the government's withdrawal of its resolutions regarding Hindi, but efforts are underway to organize a victory rally on that date.

“The collaboration of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray in opposing the imposition of Hindi has showcased the strength of the Marathi populace, which is crucial for Maharashtra's interests,” he stated.

Raut further noted, “The solidarity of the two brothers would have unleashed a powerful wave of Marathi strength across Maharashtra, compelling the government to retract its decision.”

In response to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's comment wishing for Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to remain united, Raut countered, “The unity of the Marathi people isn't contingent upon his desires. If Fadnavis can ally with various leaders, why should two brothers uniting cause discomfort?”

He praised CM Fadnavis for his “prudent” decision to rescind the proposals to introduce Hindi as a third language, acknowledging the public sentiment among the Marathi people.

“The CM recognized the emotions of the Marathi citizens and attempted to manipulate them. He brought forth various proposals, but ultimately, the people expressed their dissatisfaction through protest,” Raut added.

He referred to a symbolic protest where two government resolutions were burned in the presence of Uddhav Thackeray, indicating that the announced joint morcha of the Thackeray brothers would have attracted a massive turnout from across Maharashtra.

Commenting on the chief minister's establishment of a committee led by former Planning Commission member Dr. Narendra Jadhav to draft a report on the trilingual formula, Raut asserted that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would reject any three-language formula in the state.

“Creating committees is futile. Why manipulate the sentiments of the Marathi people? Under no circumstances will Maharashtra endorse the National Education Policy 2020 and the three-language policy. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have both made their positions clear, urging the Fadnavis government to cease its unnecessary maneuvers,” he stated.

Raut accused CM Fadnavis of misleading the public regarding the decision to make Hindi mandatory from grade one, attributing it to a report from a committee led by Raghunath Mashelkar during Uddhav Thackeray's chief ministership.

“The BJP is a factory for spreading misinformation. Fadnavis is lying in accordance with the BJP's national agenda. Why is the Mashelkar report not being presented?” he questioned.