Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to come together to protest ‘Hindi imposition’ in Maharashtra schools

In a post on X, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut announced that both leaders will march together in a single, united protest against the introduction of Hindi in state-run schools. Sharing a photograph of Uddhav and Raj together, Raut posted, “There will be one united protest against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Jai Maharashtra!”

On Thursday, Raj and Uddhav announced separate protests over the issue. While Raj announced a ‘Virat Morcha’ from Girgaon Chowpatty in South Mumbai on July 6, Uddhav extended support to a protest planned at Azad Maidan on July 7, organised by academic and activist Deepak Pawar. The announcement of two separate rallies on the same issue had raised doubts among the supporters and the public.

Raut said that after the press conferences by both the leaders, Raj called him, following which a discussion was held on holding a joint protest. “When we were speaking at the press conference on Thursday, we were not aware of Raj’s protest. After the press conference, he called me and proposed that it would not be appropriate to have two separate protests for the cause of Marathi, and that it should be held jointly. Accordingly, I spoke to Uddhavji and without waiting for a moment, he also agreed and decided that the joint protest would be held on July 5,” Raut said, adding that the time and venue would be finalised in a day or two.

“We are really happy that Raj saheb took the initiative for Marathi cause, and Uddhavji also responded positively. We are all thankful to both brothers… The Marathi people’s strength will be seen on July 5… This would be the match that would change the politics of the state… It will show what Marathi people can do when they come together; it would be 2.0 Sanyukta Maharashtra Movement,” MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said, confirming the joint protest.

Soon after the announcement of the joint march, Deshpande and Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met at an event and interacted for a while. Separately, Deshpande also met Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai in Mumbai. Sardesai said they discussed the plan for the joint protest.

Meanwhile, the ruling Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and BJP hit back at the Thakceray cousins, accusing them of indulging in political theatrics ahead of the upcoming civic body polls. “Both of them are victims of misunderstanding,” said BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar, adding that Hindi is not compulsory but Marathi is.

Sena leader and MoS Yogesh Kadam said “the march is being organised for political benefits and to mislead the Marathi people. This is nothing but just politics. Marathi has been made compulsory in all schools. We have not imposed any compulsory rules for Hindi. The narrative is being spread considering the upcoming civic body polls. One thing is clear: the government is not imposing Hindi. Students have options of 22 languages, including Hindi.”

The Maharashtra government’s April 16 decision to introduce Hindi as a mandatory third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools of the state board had drawn flak from several quarters.