In a landmark political gathering held in Mumbai on July 6, 2025, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray publicly came together on one stage during the ‘Awaj Marathicha’ rally.
The joint meeting celebrated the rollback of two government resolutions (GRs) that had proposed the introduction of Hindi as a third language from class 1 in state-run schools across Maharashtra.
The two leaders, often seen as rivals, shook hands in front of a large crowd gathered to mark what they called a victory for Marathi identity and language rights. The state government’s recent decision to withdraw the controversial GRs followed weeks of vocal protest from regional parties and civil society groups.
VIDEO | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (@uddhavthackeray) and MNS chief Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) shake hands as they hold a joint victory gathering, titled 'Awaj Marathicha' to celebrate the rollback of two GRs issued earlier by the government… pic.twitter.com/inercdDjm9
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 5, 2025
Opposition to Hindi Inclusion in Schools
The revoked policy aimed to introduce Hindi language instruction from the first grade, alongside Marathi and English, starting in the 2025–26 academic year. Critics argued this was an attempt to impose linguistic uniformity, undermining Marathi’s prominence in the school curriculum and cultural space.
Raj Thackeray, MNS Chief, said, “Marathi is not just a language—it’s our soul. The rollback of these GRs proves the power of people’s voices.” He added, “We may not agree on everything politically. But when it comes to protecting our language, there are no divisions.”
A Rare Show of Unity
Uddhav Thackeray stated, “The real speech today is this handshake and unity. Our joint appearance speaks louder than any words.” Raj Thackeray echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity over political differences.
The event marks a turning point in Maharashtra politics, as both factions of the Thackeray family aligned on cultural and educational priorities. Analysts say this may signal further collaboration ahead of municipal and state elections.
Education and Identity at the Forefront
Education activists welcomed the rollback, citing fears of early cognitive overload for young learners and erosion of regional identity. The School Education Department will now revise its language framework to reflect the updated policy.
