Will Uddhav and Raj Unite in a March Against Hindi Imposition?

Mumbai, June 27 (NationPress) The estranged Thackeray brothers, Uddhav, the head of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj, the founder of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are set to unite for the first time in a protest against the enforcement of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English-medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. This initiative aims to safeguard the Marathi language in Maharashtra.

Following the announcement of two distinct morchas scheduled for July 5 and 7 regarding this sensitive political matter, Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, stated on Friday, “There will be a unified and cohesive march against the mandatory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand.”

Meanwhile, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande also suggested a collective effort against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra.

“It is crucial to demonstrate the collective strength of Marathi speakers. Raj Thackeray appealed yesterday, receiving widespread support. They are attempting to stifle the Marathi language and impose Hindi aggressively.

“Marathi speakers must unite and voice their concerns. The Marathi language transcends politics. No one is superior or inferior in the presence of the Marathi language; everyone should unite. Raj Thackeray is optimistic about this, and we are all optimistic. The morcha will take place on July 5,” he remarked.

This initiative is significant as it precedes ongoing reconciliation discussions between the two estranged brothers ahead of the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

The Thackerays aim to jointly advocate for the interests of Marathi-speaking individuals and safeguard the Marathi language, which has been recognized as a 'Classical language.'

Raut and Deshpande's comments came a day after Uddhav Thackeray declared his party's endorsement and involvement in the morcha organized on July 7 in Mumbai by 'The Tribhasha Sutra (Three Language Formula)' Mumbai Coordination Committee.

Raj Thackeray initially announced the morcha in Mumbai on July 6 but later rescheduled it to July 5, inviting all political parties, Marathi individuals, artists, legal professionals, and the media to join.

Uddhav Thackeray asserted that the party would oppose the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra and urged the public to join the fight against the MahaYuti government's initiative.

“We have vehemently opposed Hindi and its imposition in Maharashtra. In how many states is the three-language policy being adopted? Why is the state government so eager to enforce Hindi in Maharashtra? Why are you compelling Hindi upon us? This indicates a monopoly. BJP National President J.P. Nadda previously made a promise regarding this,” Uddhav Thackeray reiterated, emphasizing that he will not permit the imposition of the Hindi language in the state.

“Our opposition is not towards the language itself but its imposition. There exists a hidden agenda behind this initiative. I urge all Marathi individuals to join this cause,” he stated during a press conference.

Earlier, Raj Thackeray remarked, “There will be no compulsion for any language, be it Hindi or otherwise. I urge all parties to join us on July 5 for a morcha from Girgaum. This morcha will not feature any flags; it will solely represent the Marathi populace, and we welcome everyone.”

“If there are no flags during the morcha, only the Marathi agenda will prevail. I am eager to see who joins this morcha and who does not,” he added.

He anticipates Uddhav Thackeray's participation in the morcha, as their shared agenda against the imposition of Hindi aligns with the interests of the Marathi Manoos.

“We must unite for the welfare of Maharashtra without any disputes during the morcha. I am curious to see who will stand with us. They will come after I speak—I am in dialogue with them,” he concluded.