NDC DESK
As the language debate in Maharashtra intensifies, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray came together after two decades to hold a “Marathi Vijay Rally” at Mumbai’s Worli auditorium on Saturday. The event focused on issues surrounding the Hindi-Marathi language row, the status of Marathi in Mumbai and Maharashtra, and criticism of the BJP and the central government.
Both leaders expressed support for linguistic unity in Maharashtra and took aim at the imposition of Hindi. “The three-language policy has been imposed by the Centre. We have no issue with Hindi, but it should not be forced upon us. If standing up for Marathi makes us hooligans, then yes—we are hooligans,” they stated.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at a rally in Pandharpur, ridiculed the event. “I was told this would be a victory rally, but Uddhav delivered a speech that sounded more like a mourning session,” he said. “He didn’t say a word about the Marathi language. All he spoke about was how his government was brought down and how he could return to power.”
Reunion After 20 Years: Uddhav and Raj Share Stage
The rally marked the first time in nearly 20 years that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appeared together on stage. Their last public appearance together was in 2006 at a rally led by Balasaheb Thackeray. Following Uddhav’s appointment as Shiv Sena chief, Raj parted ways and formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), leading to strained relations between the two.
Raj Thackeray Speaks First: Criticizes Language Policy, Urges Respect for Marathi
Raj Thackeray opened the rally with a 25-minute speech, targeting the central government’s three-language formula.
“This policy was introduced solely by the Centre. Courts in Maharashtra operate only in English, unlike in other states. Why is Maharashtra always the exception?” he asked.
He also defended the educational choices of Marathi families. “When our children attend English-medium schools, our loyalty to Marathi is questioned. Even leaders like L.K. Advani studied in missionary schools. Many South Indian leaders and celebrities studied in English but remained proud of their mother tongues. My father Shrikant Thackeray and Balasaheb also studied in English but had deep respect for Marathi.”
Raj also commented on recent incidents of language-related violence: “Marathi should be known by all living in Maharashtra, but there is no need to assault someone for not speaking it. And if you must confront someone, don’t record videos of it.”
Uddhav Thackeray’s Response: “Yes, We Are Hooligans for Marathi”
In his 24-minute speech, Uddhav Thackeray strongly defended Marathi identity.
“When riots broke out in 1992, it was the Marathi people who protected Hindus,” he said. “CM Fadnavis says he won’t tolerate hooliganism. Let me tell him, if standing up for Marathi is hooliganism, then yes, we are hooligans.”
He also criticized the central government’s push for Hindi.
“During the freedom struggle, we fought to keep Mumbai in Maharashtra. Today, the Modi government is pushing the narrative of Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan. While we accept Hindu and Hindustan, we will not tolerate forced imposition of Hindi. Even seven generations won’t be able to change that.”
Referring to their past political experiences, Uddhav added: “Both Raj and I have experienced how we were used and discarded. Today, we stand united. People are busy reading our horoscopes, wondering if we will work together again.”
He also questioned the Prime Minister’s own educational background: “They ask about our schools, but has anyone asked where Narendra Modi studied?”
Understanding the Language Dispute in Maharashtra
The language controversy began in April when the Maharashtra government made Hindi a mandatory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5, across all Marathi and English-medium schools. This move was made in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Following backlash, the state updated its guidelines: students can now choose another Indian language instead of Hindi, provided at least 20 students in a class opt for the same language. If fewer than 20 students choose an alternative, the subject will be taught online.
