'Single And United March': Uddhav And Raj Thackeray To Unite Against 'Hindi Imposition' In Maharashtra Schools

In a rare political convergence, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) respectively, have agreed to join forces against what they call 'Hindi imposition' in Maharashtra schools, reported NDTV.

They will lead a joint march in Mumbai to oppose the Maharashtra state government's three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a third language for primary school students.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed the development today (27 June) on X, stating, ""There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!".

This move, particularly significant with the upcoming BMC elections, is being seen as a strategic political alignment.

Raj Thackeray, who initially announced a protest for 6 July, revised the date to 5 July due to the clash with Ashadhi Ekadashi.

He stated, "With warm regards, Jai Maharashtra. This morning, for our Marathi language, for Maharashtra, and for the Marathi people, a morcha was announced on 6 July. There is a slight change in that plan; the morcha will now take place on Saturday, 5 July, at 10 AM from Girgaum to Azad Maidan. The location and all other details remain unchanged. Therefore, the media and the people of Maharashtra should take note of this change."

Separately, Uddhav Thackeray had backed a 7 July march by the Tribhasha Sutra (Three language formula) Anti-Mumbai Coordination Committee.

"We will not allow the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra. This is not just an educational issue; it is cultural encroachment," he said.

He also questioned the constitutional basis and political motivation behind the policy.