Uddhav, Raj Thackeray Join Forces Against Mandatory Hindi In Maharashtra Schools

In an unusual show of unity, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have decided to come together in opposition to what they are calling the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra's school curriculum, according to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

According to an NDTV report, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are now set to lead a joint march in Mumbai protesting the state government's three-language policy, which makes Hindi a mandatory third language for students in primary schools.

Photo Credit: x.com/rautsanjay61

Raut confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, "A united march will take place against the imposition of Hindi in schools in Maharashtra. Jai Maharashtra!" His post included a throwback photograph of both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray standing before a portrait of Bal Thackeray.

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on the horizon, many are interpreting the move not merely as a cultural protest, but also as a strategic political alignment in the lead-up to the polls.

Statements from the Thackerays

Raj Thackeray, MNS founder, had originally planned the protest for 6 July, but later rescheduled it as the date coincided with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a day of religious importance in the state. The protest will now be held on Saturday, 5 July, beginning at 10 AM from Girgaum to Azad Maidan.

"With warm regards, Jai Maharashtra. This morning, for our Marathi language, for Maharashtra, and for the Marathi people, a morcha was announced on July 6. There is a slight change in that plan; the morcha will now take place on Saturday, July 5, at 10 AM from Girgaum to Azad Maidan. The location and all other details remain unchanged. Therefore, the media and the people of Maharashtra should take note of this change," Raj Thackeray shared via social media.

Separately, Uddhav Thackeray had extended his support to a 7 July march spearheaded by the Tribhasha Sutra (Three Language Formula) Anti-Mumbai Coordination Committee. He strongly criticised the inclusion of Hindi in Marathi and English-medium schools for Classes 1 to 5.

"We will not allow the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra. This is not just an educational issue; it is cultural encroachment."

Uddhav further questioned the constitutional and political intent behind the decision, citing remarks made by BJP national president JP Nadda, and called for a thorough review of the state's education policies.

Speaking on behalf of the younger generation of the Thackeray family, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said: "No language should be forced. What we have been learning should continue. Education should be enhanced, but not burdened. Why only Hindi? Why not improve what's already in place rather than adding to the load?"

Veteran politician and NCP chief Sharad Pawar expressed similar concerns, suggesting the policy was ill-suited for young children.

"My view is that Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education. There is no issue with children learning Hindi after Class 5. But we must analyse how many languages a child of a certain age can realistically learn and what linguistic burden that places on them," Pawar remarked.