Vijay Rally: Thackerays Unite to Stand Against Hindi Imposition

A historic moment is going to be recorded in the politics of Maharashtra today. After nearly two decades, the Thackeray brothers were seen together on stage, and that too, with their families. A Marathi Vijay Rally was jointly organised by both the leaders- Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. 

Show of Unity

Thousands of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers marched enthusiastically to the venue. The joint rally was organised by cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray on Saturday, 5th July. Amid a heavy rush, hundreds of workers pushed through the crowd. They forced their way inside the NSCI Dome campus in Worli. They were eager to listen to the Thackeray brothers.

Raj Thackeray addressed the assemblage first. He said that Devendra Fadnavis accomplished what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not – united the two brothers.

During this, Uddhav said that some people have resolved the differences between them. They have now come together and will stay together. “They have started the policy of use and throw. Now we will throw you out.” Uddhav said.

He stressed on unity for Marathi language and Marathi Manus. Raj also stressed on the same issue. “Now these people will start caste politics. They will divide you on the basis of caste. They will stop you from uniting for Marathi language.” He criticized the opposition for relying on caste-based votes.

Also read: Hindi Policy of Maharashtra Unites Thackeray Brothers

Marathi over Hindi

He also talked about preserving Marathi and fighting imposition of Hindi. He stated that in the past, Marathi people fought for their rights. Their next generations will also not let go of the fight against the imposition of Hindi.

“Fadnavis said that he will not tolerate hooliganism. But if fighting for our language is hooliganism, then yes we are hooligans.”

Uddhav Thackeray added, “We are not against people who chant Hanuman Chalisa. We are not against Jai Shri Ram. But what is your problem with Marathi? Most of the land in Mumbai has been grabbed by Adani. We should be ashamed that our martyrs shed their blood for Mumbai and we could not even save our land.” 

“We got Mumbai, we fought for it, the politicians of that time did not want Marathis in Maharashtra. Now the central government says – Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan. We accept Hindu and Hindustan, but not Hindi. Imposition of Hindi will not be tolerated.”

They said that non-Hindi states are more progressive and yet, being told they should learn Hindi. They respect other languages but when they never inposed Marathi on anyone, no one may impose Hindi on them. It is their mother tongue and should not be talked about negatively.

Raj addressed the opposition’s statement that the Thackeray’s children have studied through English medium schools. He said, “When our children go to English medium schools, questions are raised on our Marathi. If LK Advani has studied in a missionary school, should his Hindutva be questioned?”

They fiercely opposed the imposition of the three language formula, brought by the centre. 

Other Political Leaders React

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said about the rally, “… It is like a festival for all of us in Maharashtra. Two prominent leaders of the Thackeray family are finally coming together to share a stage after 20 years. They were separated due to their political ideologies. It has always been our wish that we should fight those who are against the people of Maharashtra. By coming together today, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will definitely give direction to Marathi Manus.”

MNS leader Prakash Mahajan also expressed hope. He believes this platform will become a symbol of unity. It will also embody the respect of Marathi society. 

The absence of Sharad Pawar from NSP is a matter of discussion. Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal is also not present on this platform, and it is being discussed. An invitation was sent by MNS, but they are not attending the rally.

However, Sapkal maintained that his party supports the protest against making Hindi “mandatory” for students of Classes 1-5. NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil told PTI that either his party’s working president Supriya Sule will attend the celebration. Alternatively, party MLA Jitendra Awhad may attend, or both of them will be present.

BJP MP Narayan Rane has described this unity as a ploy. Ramdas Kadam of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) agrees. They believe it is to maintain relevance in the upcoming BMC elections.

It is to be seen how much the political equation of Maharashtra changes from the Thackeray’s alliance?

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