NEW DELHI: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, once estranged cousins vying over Bal Thackeray’s legacy, are now uniting in opposition to the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra’s schools. In a post on X, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced that Thackeray’s brothers will jointly lead a protest march on July 5 against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra’s primary schools.“There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!” Raut said. The post sparked speculation of a possible political rapprochement between the estranged Thackeray cousins. By Friday, Sanjay Raut’s detailed statement confirmed their united stance on protecting language rights.During the media briefing, Raut emphasised that their opposition was not directed at Hindi itself, but rather its compulsory implementation in primary education. “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,” Raut said.He mentioned that both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray had independently adopted strong positions on this matter. “Raj Thackeray took a position, and Uddhavji fully supports the cause. In fact, Uddhav Thackeray has endorsed the July 7 Marathi language agitation and said: ‘We are with you in this fight.'”Raut revealed that the leaders had initially planned separate demonstrations: Raj had scheduled a march for July 6, whilst Uddhav had pledged support for a July 7 gathering. Subsequently, Raj Thackeray contacted Raut, suggesting that a unified demonstration would be more impactful and prevent division on this crucial Marathi identity issue.“I informed Uddhavji, and without a moment’s hesitation, he said that Marathi-speaking people must be seen standing together on this issue,” Raut said. However, as July 6 coincides with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a significant religious observance in Maharashtra, both leaders recognised that the message might be overshadowed by festival coverage.The final agreement was reached through telephone discussions: the joint demonstration will now occur on July 5, preceding Ashadhi Ekadashi. “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 concluded.
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