‘We Have Punched Marathi Haters’: Uddhav Thackeray Celebrates GR Rollback, Predicts Defections from Shinde, Ajit Pawar Camps

Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has hailed the rollback of the Maharashtra government’s controversial three-language policy as a triumph of public unity, warning that had the government not cancelled its government resolution (GR), it would have faced massive protests on July 5.

Talking to reporters, Thackeray said, “We appreciate the political parties which came together with us despite different stands. Temporarily, they (Govt) have cancelled the GR. If they hadn’t cancelled, they would have seen the protest on 5th July.”

He further claimed that leaders from rival camps were showing signs of shifting loyalties. “Many leaders from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP are going to join us,” Thackeray asserted.

Looking ahead, Thackeray informed that a new committee headed by Dr. Narendra Jadhav has been formed to further examine the issue. “The government has appointed financial experts for the education sector’s decision,” he added.

Emphasising the show of strength among pro-Marathi forces, Thackeray declared plans to celebrate on July 5. “We will stage a victory rally on 5th July. We have punched Marathi haters, this unity should remain as it is,” he proclaimed, crediting people power and cross-party unity for compelling the government to withdraw the contentious policy.

The state’s three-language policy had stirred widespread anger among pro-Marathi groups, education activists, and opposition parties, who alleged it imposed Hindi on primary school children at the expense of Marathi identity. The temporary rollback of the GR was seen by many as a face-saving measure by the government after facing strong protests and negative political fallout.