As MNS Chief Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray’s reunion stirs the political landscape of Maharashtra, all eyes are on how this development will influence current political scenario. While it is asserted that the two brothers have come together to protect the pride of Maharashtra, which they believe is being subdued under BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP-led coalition government, it will be interesting to see how they play on that.

Their union, through a rally ‘Awaz Marathicha’ in Mumbai, comes at a time when language politics have sparked discussions, violence and disagreements in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ attempt to introduce Hindi as a mandatory language in primary education has drawn strong resistance from opposition leaders, who continue to stand tall in support of “Marathi.”

Sanjay Raut Sets Record Straight On Hindi Language Row

As the Thackeray brother’s rally sent a strong message of their unity in advocating the voice of Maharashtrians, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday clarified party’s stance on the Hindi language issue. He stated that unlike southern states, Maharashtra does not oppose the use of Hindi but strongly resists its imposition in primary education.

Raut said, “The Southern states have been fighting for this issue for years. Their stand against the imposition of Hindi means they will not speak Hindi and neither let anyone speak Hindi. But that is not our stand in Maharashtra. We speak Hindi… Our stand is that the strictness for Hindi in primary schools will not be tolerated. Our fight is limited to this… MK Stalin has congratulated us on this win of ours and said that he will learn from this. We wish him the best.”

Raut further stressed that his party’s fight is limited to opposing the forceful of imposition of Hindi, adding that they have never stopped anyone form speaking Hindi in Maharashtra.

In light of his statement, he gave example of Hindi movies, Hindi theatre, and Hindi music flourishing in the state.

He added, “But we haven’t stopped anyone from speaking in Hindi because we have Hindi movies, Hindi theatre, and Hindi music here… Our fight is only against imposition of Hindi in primary education… Yes, the two brothers have come together for politics, but what have they come together for?”

What Did Thackeray Brothers’ Say?

Meanwhile, while addressing the ‘Awaz Marathicha’ rally on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that he has come to “stay together” with his brother Raj Thackeray. The rally was held in response to oppose the alleged imposition of the Hindi language over Maharashtra by the state government.

During his speech, Uddhav hit out at the Centre and Maharashtra government, questioning what they have done in its tenure of 11 years for Maharashtra? He alleged that the government has forced Maharashtrians to go out of Mumbai, pushed Mumbai’s important establishments to Gujarat. He further highlighted the attempt to break the “backbone” of Maharashtra.

“They always ask us what we did for the Marathi people in Mumbai during our rule in BMC. They all forced Marathi people to go out of Mumbai, but now we are asking a question: in the last 11 years of your rule, what have you done? You have pushed away Mumbai’s important establishments to Gujarat. Businesses are being transferred to Gujarat. Big offices are going to Gujarat. The diamond business has already shifted to Gujarat, so you have made all attempts to break the backbone of Maharashtra and continue to do that, and you are asking questions to us”, Uddhav Thackeray said.

Raj Thackeray also clearly stated the agenda behind coming back together with his brother, which is the love and devotion towards the state.

“I had said in one of my interviews that my Maharashtra is bigger than any politics and fight. Today, after 20 years, Uddhav and I have come together. What Balasaheb could not do, Devendra Fadnavis did it… The work of bringing both of us together,” said Raj while addressing the rally.

Raj Thackeray has been strongly opposing the imposition of Hindi, calling it a direct attack on Maharashtra’s cultural identity and the mother tongue, Marathi. On several occasion, he had described it as a mentality that seeks to impose language rather than promote linguistic diversity.

In his letter to school principals, Raj Thackeray urged them to oppose the government’s agenda or face the consequences it. “If you don’t resist this imposition,” he warned, “MNS workers will come to meet you personally.”

Notably, seven unknown men were booked by the Kashimira police in Mira Road on July 1 after a video of them beating up a sweet shop owner because he did not speak in Marathi went viral on social media. They are suspected to be MNS members.

Devendra Fadnavis Warns Against Hooliganism

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday had warned against hooliganism in the name of the Marathi language. He said there is nothing wrong with being proud of Marathi, but any form of violence will not be tolerated by the government.

Fadnavis said, “It is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. But if someone indulges in hooliganism due to language, we will not tolerate it. If someone beats up people on the basis of language, this will not be tolerated. The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident, and if anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken. We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner; we will have to keep this in mind.”