Mumbai, Correspondent
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has alleged that the state government's move to impose Hindi under the guise of a "three-language formula" is a ploy to gradually separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra government had issued two orders making it mandatory for students to learn Hindi alongside Marathi and English. However, facing widespread opposition from political parties and civil society, the government was forced to withdraw the decision.
A victory rally was held to mark the withdrawal of the controversial policy, where Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray appeared on the same stage — a rare and symbolic moment that drew a massive crowd at the Worli Dome. The gathering reaffirmed the commitment to protect and promote the Marathi language through unity.
“We are not against Hindi. Every language is important and powerful, built with the efforts of generations. But we oppose the forced imposition,” Raj Thackeray stated. He accused the government of taking the decision without consulting education experts or stakeholders. “You may have the majority in the Assembly, but we have the majority on the streets,” he warned.
Drawing comparisons with the southern states, Raj noted that no southern state succumbs to such policies. “They tried to test this formula in Maharashtra, but now they’ve realized the resistance they will face,” he added.
Uddhav Thackeray echoed Raj’s sentiments, saying, “The most important thing today is not what we spoke, but that we stood together. The wall between us was removed by Anajipant (a reference to a mediator). We have come together, and this unity is here to stay.”
He further declared, “No matter how many committees they form, we will never accept Hindi imposition. Don’t treat the language issue as a minor one.”
“Together, We Will Throw Them Out”
Uddhav lashed out at the ruling party’s strategy of "divide and rule", saying, “They have always tried to break Marathi unity and exploit people. But going forward, the Marathi community will remain united. Both Raj and I have experienced being used and discarded. This time, we will be the ones to discard them.”
Responding to allegations that their motive was municipal power, Uddhav said, “Our ‘M’ is not just for the municipality but for Maharashtra. We will never compromise on the state, the Marathi language, or the Marathi identity.”
“What Even Balasaheb Couldn't Do...”
Raj Thackeray added with a humorous jab, “Even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t bring the two of us together. That task has been accomplished by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
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