Mumbai: In a rare show of solidarity, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will jointly lead a protest march on July 5 against the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools. The protest aims to defend the prominence of Marathi in the state’s education system, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference, Raut said the march would remain strictly apolitical. “There is no opposition to Hindi per se, but it is being imposed on young children in schools. That is unacceptable. Language should not be forced, especially in primary education,” he stressed.
Raut explained that both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray had initially planned separate protests — Raj on July 6, and Uddhav supporting a rally on July 7. “Raj Thackeray called me and said that it would not be good if two separate marches were organised, so there should be one. I informed Uddhavji, and without a moment’s hesitation, he said that Marathi-speaking people must be seen standing together on this issue,” Raut told reporters.
However, since July 6 coincides with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a major festival in Maharashtra, the leaders decided to unite their effort on July 5 to avoid a clash with religious events. “Raj Thackeray agreed immediately. He even called back to say the protest should be kept away from any political agenda and remain focused on the language issue,” Raut added.
He further shared that the exact time and location of the rally will be finalised after a joint discussion. “This is not about politics, it’s about language, identity, and the rights of Maharashtra’s children,” Raut said, making it clear that the rally would reflect the cultural pride of the Marathi community.
The Thackeray cousins’ unexpected coordination has renewed speculation about a possible political rapprochement ahead of critical local body elections in the state. Their decision comes a week after the BJP-led Mahayuti government issued an order declaring Hindi the default third language in Marathi- and English-medium schools for classes 1–5, unless at least 20 students in a classroom choose a different language.
Calling the move a threat to Maharashtra’s cultural balance, Uddhav Thackeray described it as akin to a “language emergency.” Addressing activists from the Marathi Abhyas Kendra earlier this week, Uddhav declared: “To impose Hindi is like declaring a language emergency to bring their autocratic regime to Maharashtra. Though we don’t oppose Hindi as a language, we will oppose the compulsion of Hindi and will not allow it in Maharashtra.”
Raj Thackeray, on his part, vowed to mobilise support across communities, including artists, writers, parents, and students. “There will be no flag. It will be a rally of Marathi people and they will lead it. I will speak to litterateurs, parents, and students, asking them to join. The government should know what Maharashtra wants. Maharashtra should show its full strength. It is a conspiracy to reduce the importance of Marathi in Maharashtra,” he said.
