After nearly two decades, estranged brothers Raj and Uddhav Thackeray reunited at a rally organised to celebrate the Mahayuti government’s repeal issued for the three-language policy. The victory rally ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (voice of Marathi) was planned by the two parties in Worli, the constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray.
The MNS chief said that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb Thackeray failed to do, “bring him and Raj together”.
The Maharashtra government had issued a GR that made Hindi the mandatory third language for Classes 1 to 5. Following backlash, the government issued a revised GR that made it optional. The CM had also announced the formation of the Narendra Jadhav committee to reexamine the three-language policy.
The Maharashtra CM had earlier asserted that no one in the state should be targeted for not knowing Marathi.
“Balasaheb Thackeray studied in English school, worked in an English newspaper but never compromised on the status of Marathi,” said Raj Thackeray at victory rally, The Indian Express reported.
“They finally witnessed the power of Maharashtra and Marathi people and that’s what forced them to withdraw the GR on the three language formula,” he added.
He also vowed that they will remain united and asserted that the “BJP government will now try to divide us (Marathi’s) using caste and religion."
Thousands of Shiv Sena and MNS workers marched to the venue showing a strong show of strength.
Uddhav Thackeray said that he and Raj Thackeray together will capture power in Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra. “We won’t let government impose Hindi on us,” he said.
The other Maha Vikar Allies including Congress and Sharad Pawar did not attend the rally. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar told reporters in Pune on Thursday that he will not attend the event due to prior commitments.
The Congress was also absent from the victory celebration, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said. He further said that the Congress supports the demand for not making Hindi mandatory.
