Thackeray cousins unite for Marathi cause: Joint Mumbai protest on July 5 against Hindi imposition

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS to jointly challenge Maharashtra’s amended three-language formula; timing to be finalized amid Ashadhi Ekadashi conflict

Mumbai: Estranged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray will stage a joint protest on July 5 against what they call the “imposition” of Hindi and the state government’s three-language formula for Classes 1–5.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Raj Thackeray invited Uddhav to join his July 6 march from Girgaum Chowpatty. Uddhav agreed but pointed out that Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on that day, making participation difficult. The cousins then settled on a joint rally on July 5; timing is under discussion, as Raj had proposed a 10 am start, which some find inconvenient.

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Both leaders had earlier announced separate protests against the amended language order, with Uddhav signing on to a civil society demonstration at Azad Maidan on July 7 and Raj leading a “non-political” march on July 6. Raut said other political formations will also be invited to the July 5 event.

There is growing speculation that the language issue could serve as a platform for rapprochement between the two Thackeray branches. Raut invoked the spirit of the 1960 Samyukt Maharashtra movement, saying the cousins should spearhead a similar defence of Marathi interests against forces seeking to “break Mumbai and drive the Marathi manoos out of Maharashtra.”

MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande welcomed the alliance: “As a Marathi manoos, I am happy for the way Raj saheb took the lead for Marathi manoos, and it was reciprocated by Uddhav saheb.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that while Marathi remains compulsory, Hindi is optional. Last week’s government order stipulates that Hindi will generally be taught as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5, but any group of 20 students per grade may opt for another Indian language, provided a teacher is appointed or online instruction arranged.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse added that for Classes 1 and 2, there will be no textbooks; instruction will be oral, supplemented by songs and pictures.