Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to Lead Joint Protest in Mumbai Against ‘Hindi Imposition’
In a dramatic political development, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have announced a rare show of unity to protest what they call the “imposition of Hindi” in Maharashtra. Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), respectively, Uddhav and Raj will lead a joint protest march in Mumbai on July 5, starting from Girgaon Chowpatty and culminating at Azad Maidan.
The joint protest marks a significant reconciliation between the two Thackerays, whose political paths have diverged sharply in recent years. The unity, even if temporary, reflects the deep discontent among Marathi regional parties over the Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce Hindi as an optional third language from Classes 1 to 5 in state schools.
Both parties have condemned Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s decision, calling it an attempt to dilute the prominence of Marathi in its home state. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have labelled the move a “language emergency” and a “deliberate effort to erase Marathi identity.”
Uddhav Thackeray, former Chief Minister and leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), clarified that the opposition is not to Hindi as a language, but to its perceived imposition in a Marathi-speaking state.
“The BJP is trying to create a divide among people on the basis of language. It is imposing a language emergency. This is not about being anti-Hindi—it is about protecting Marathi culture and identity,” he said.
Thackeray also urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Fadnavis to end the controversy by clearly stating that Hindi will not be made mandatory in any form. “Just one clarification can end the confusion: Hindi is not compulsory. Let that be declared officially,” he added.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has long been vocal about the importance of Marathi in Maharashtra, echoed similar sentiments and agreed to join the protest alongside his cousin.
The controversy began after the Maharashtra government issued an amended order last week that stated Hindi would “generally” be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools across the state. According to the order, students may opt out of Hindi if at least 20 per grade request to study another Indian language. In such cases, schools must provide an alternative teacher or arrange online classes.
Reacting to the backlash, CM Fadnavis clarified on Thursday that Hindi is entirely optional and that Marathi remains compulsory in all schools.
“There is no imposition. Hindi is an optional language. Marathi continues to be the primary medium and is compulsory,” Fadnavis said.
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition parties remain unconvinced. They argue that the vague phrasing of the official circular could lead to Hindi gaining undue prominence at the expense of regional languages.
The joint march on July 5 is expected to draw large crowds and serve as a potent statement of Marathi pride and resistance to what regional leaders describe as central overreach.
With both Thackerays joining forces for the first time in years, political observers are closely watching whether this issue leads to a deeper realignment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
IT.
