States » WestPosted at: Jun 28 2025 1:25AM


Political realignment: Shiv Sena-UBT, MNS for unified protest against compulsory Hindi

Mumbai, June 27 (UNI) In a significant political realignment, rival factions led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray will share a platform for a unified protest against Maharashtra's three-language formula.
The development signals rare cooperation between the estranged cousins amid growing linguistic tensions.
Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, a key aide to Uddhav Thackeray and longtime associate of Raj Thackeray, announced the consolidation on social media.
"Jai Maharashtra... There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand," Raut declared.
The MNS confirmed the alignment through its official channels, stating: "Without carrying any flag, 'Unite for Marathi'" and scheduling of the joint rally for July 5 in Mumbai.
This coordination follows separate press conferences held by both leaders just a day prior.
Originally, the MNS had planned a protest march from Girgaon Chowpatty to Azad Maidan on July 6, while Shiv Sena (UBT) scheduled a demonstration at Azad Maidan on July 7.
Both factions had appealed broadly to Marathi-speaking citizens, cultural figures, artists, and athletes for support.
Raj Thackeray emphasised the non-partisan nature of the unified action: "No party flags will be displayed—only one agenda: opposing the government's imposition of Hindi. I specifically chose Sunday to enable student and parent participation."
Uddhav Thackeray framed the language policy as divisive: "The BJP is imposing a language emergency in this predominantly Marathi-speaking state. We oppose not Hindi itself, but its compulsory enforcement."
MNS leader Prakash Mahajan highlighted the symbolic importance: "If the Thackeray cousins unite, it marks a golden day for Maharashtra."
The joint demonstration represents a strategic consolidation of political forces against the state government's language education policy, transforming what were competing events into a singular show of cultural solidarity.
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