A recent plan to include Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra‘s primary schools was fiercely opposed by both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. It is now believed that the Mumbai public rally represents a symbolic “victory” for Marathi linguistic identity. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray
After over 20 years of political separation, the two cousins came together once again at a public rally held in Mumbai today. The event, which was jointly organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), was titled “Awaaz Marathicha” (Voice of Marathi). This was the first time the two leaders had taken the same stage since 2005.
Following the repeal of the contentious language policy implemented by the ruling Mahayuti coalition, the Thackeray cousins have joined together. Hindi became a required third language in Maharashtra’s primary schools as a result of that policy. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray
Raj, 57, and Uddhav, 64, both vehemently objected to the action, and their combined presence is seen as a political and cultural victory for Marathi speakers.
Raj Thackeray’s Angry Remark
“Devendra Fadnavis has accomplished what many others, including Bal Thackeray, were unable to. Raj boldly declared from the stage, “He’s brought us together.” “We have the power on the streets, even though you may be in charge in the Assembly.”
“Where did this three-language formula originate?” he added. This is entirely the doing of the central government. At present, all hearings and legal proceedings in both the Supreme Court and High Court take place solely in English. Only Maharashtra is dealing with this. But you’ll see what occurs when Maharashtra rises. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray
This display of solidarity is viewed as both a cultural event and a calculated political ploy ahead of the BMC elections.
Hindi is a language that is only 200 years old. You’ll see the results if you try to take control of Mumbai or Maharashtra,” Raj said. There is no question that everyone ought to be able to communicate in Marathi. There’s no need to knock somebody up at random, but if someone is acting up, they should be smacked,” he continued. “There will be no compromise on the Marathi language,” he declared resolutely.
Twenty Years Later, A Reunion
Raj and Uddhav were last spotted together in public during the 2005 Malvan Assembly by-election campaign. Under Bal Thackeray’s capable leadership, the Shiv Sena was still a unified front at the time. Senior politician and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane resigned from the party due to internal strife, which prompted the by-election. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray
Raj left the Shiv Sena shortly after that campaign. He announced his departure from the party his uncle, Bal Thackeray, had formed in November 2005 during a tearful press conference held in Shivaji Park. He had stated, without specifically mentioning Uddhav,
Respect was all I ever asked for. I only got shame and insults in return.
The Silent Olive Branch of Uddhav
Uddhav took a more composed stance after Raj’s fiery speech, beginning with a little humour: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray
“I’m sharing a stage with Raj after all these years. The only catch is that he addressed me as “Honourable Uddhav Thackeray”—so now I have no choice but to return the favour and say “Honourable Raj Thackeray.”
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray: Raj himself formally declared that Uddhav had been named the executive president of Shiv Sena by Bal Thackeray back in January 2003. Raj was viewed for years by party members and onlookers as Bal Thackeray’s logical political successor. But dissatisfaction started to simmer within the party, particularly among Raj’s followers who felt excluded. There were claims of partiality and the slow exclusion of Raj supporters.
However, after twenty years, the hostility seems to be waning.
For the sake of Marathi, everyone assembled here today has decided to put the division behind them. The distance between us has vanished; that much is certain. We have united and will continue to do so,” Uddhav said.
He went on to say:
“We had the right to Mumbai. We claimed it and battled for it. Now is the time to reveal the BJP’s “One Nation, One Election” plan. Step by step, their goal is to bring everything under central control. We support Hindustan and Hinduism, but we won’t let Hindi take over. It was extremely vital that we make Marathi mandatory. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray