Estranged Thackeray cousins — Raj and Uddhav — are set to intensify their protest against the state government’s three-language policy in school education, which is being seen by many as a backdoor push for Hindi. However, despite raising a united voice against the policy, the two appear divided on the ground.
Both Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have announced separate protest rallies. Raj Thackeray’s MNS will hold a rally from Girgaon Chowpatty to Azad Maidan on July 5.
Originally scheduled for July 6, the date was changed to avoid a clash with Ashadi Ekadashi. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray and the coordination committee — comprising Marathi writers, poets, educators and language experts — will protest on July 7. Participants in the UBT protest will gather at Hutatma Chowk and march to Azad Maidan.
On Monday, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse made a presentation to Raj Thackeray, explaining the state’s rationale behind the three-language policy. “We presented the government’s stand on the education policy, but Rajsaheb is firm on his views,” Bhuse told the media afterwards.
Speaking soon after, Raj said, “There will be no party flags, only one agenda — to oppose the government’s move to impose Hindi. I appeal to all political parties to set aside differences and join the morcha for the cause of Marathi.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade (right) MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Pic/Ashish Rane
In April, the Mahayuti government — comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP — issued a government resolution to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including a three-language format with Hindi as the third language.
Following widespread backlash, the government revised the resolution, clarifying that Hindi would be optional, not mandatory. However, critics say this is a tactical retreat and still reflects an attempt to push Hindi through the back door. Under the NEP, two of the three languages taught must be Indian languages, and one must be a regional language.
Despite opposition, the government seems resolute. On Monday, CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, after which it was decided that any further decision would be taken only after consulting all stakeholders, including political parties. Meanwhile, the coordination committee met Uddhav at Matoshree, his Bandra residence, and jointly announced the July 7 protest.
“I appeal to all Marathi actors, sportspersons, and Marathi-speaking citizens to come together and fight until this government withdraws the circular,” Uddhav said. Clarifying his stand, he added, “We are not against any language, including Hindi. Our fight is against the imposition of any language on young minds.” On Thursday, Fadnavis reiterated that Marathi has been made mandatory, not Hindi. Separately, Sharad Pawar voiced support for the Thackerays, saying, “The government should withdraw the decision and not insist on it.”
