In a historic display of solidarity, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time in nearly two decades at the “Awaj Marathicha” (Voice of the Marathi) rally in Worli, Mumbai. The event celebrated the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw two controversial government resolutions (GRs) mandating Hindi as a third language in state-run schools from Class 1. The rally was not just a platform for fiery rhetoric but a bold statement of Marathi pride and a warning to political rivals ahead of upcoming elections.
A Historic Reunion
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray opened his speech by emphasizing the significance of the moment over his words. “The focus isn’t on my speech but on our reunion. The curtain between us, removed by Anaji Pant, is gone for good. We have come together to stay together,” he declared, quashing speculation about a temporary alliance.
Uddhav sharply countered the BJP’s accusations of abandoning Hindutva. “Hindutva isn’t confined to one language. We speak Marathi and embody Hindutva. My Shiv Sainiks protected Mumbai in 1992-93. Who are you to question us?” he retorted. He accused the BJP of using and discarding allies, vowing, “Now it’s our turn to use them and cast them aside.”
Responding to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ remark that “hooliganism in the name of language won’t be tolerated,” Uddhav fired back: “If demanding justice in Marathi is hooliganism, then we are proud goons. If your courts only hear us when we shout, we’ll shout louder.” He also criticised the rise of superstition, invoking his grandfather’s legacy of combating fake godmen.
Raj Thackeray’s Call for Marathi Pride
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery oratory, set a defiant tone: “This rally flies no political flag, only the banner of Marathi. No one should dare disrespect Maharashtra or its language.” He credited Chief Minister Fadnavis’ policies for inadvertently uniting the Thackerays, saying, “What Balasaheb couldn’t achieve, Fadnavis has by uniting our emotions.”
Raj slammed the government’s language policy as arbitrary. “Who demanded Hindi in primary schools? Why bypass education experts? You may control the legislature, but we own the streets,” he asserted. He questioned the economic logic of imposing Hindi, noting, “Hindi-speaking states lag economically, while non-Hindi-speaking states thrive. Why force it on us?”
Citing Balasaheb and Shrikant Thackeray’s English medium education, Raj challenged critics: “Does studying in a convent school diminish Marathi pride or Hindutva? Lal Krishna Advani studied in a missionary school would you question his patriotism?” He warned against attempts to fracture Marathi unity through caste divisions, urging, “Don’t mistake our silence for weakness. No one should dare touch Maharashtra or Mumbai.”
Raj reaffirmed his commitment to Marathi identity: “Balasaheb rejected power for Marathi pride. Those raised in his legacy will never compromise, no matter the alliances.”
Political Context and Impact
The rally followed the government’s rollback of two GRs- one mandating Hindi in Classes 1 to 5 and another making it optional, after widespread backlash from Marathi-speaking communities and parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. In response, Chief Minister Fadnavis announced the Narendra Jadhav Committee to review the three-language policy and declared October 3 as Classical Marathi Language Day. The Thackerays’ united front sends a powerful message to Maharashtra’s political landscape. While no formal alliance was announced, their public reunion signals a potential shift in the state’s political dynamics, challenging existing power structures as elections loom.
