Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Mumbai, Jul 5: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray made a fiery declaration on Saturday that there will be no compromise when it comes to the Marathi language, the Marathi Manoos, or the identity of Maharashtra. Speaking at a powerful joint rally with Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai, he celebrated the state government's decision to roll back its plan to introduce Hindi from Grade 1, calling it a victory for Marathi pride.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of Shiv Sainiks and MNS workers, Raj Thackeray called for long-term unity between the two parties, warning that future challenges could come in the form of caste-based divisions, even though the immediate threat of forced Hindi had been withdrawn.
“Maharashtra is bigger than our differences,” he said, adding with sharp irony, “What even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t achieve—bringing me and Uddhav together—Devendra Fadnavis managed to do. Strange how opposition unites us.”
Raj questioned the very basis of the state’s attempt to enforce Hindi, stating that there was no public demand or expert consultation. “Why Hindi? Who asked for it? You’re pushing it on little children, unilaterally, through sheer power. But understand this—your power lies in the legislature, ours is in the streets,” he warned the BJP-led MahaYuti government.
He fiercely rejected the three-language formula being pushed, alleging it was a central government diktat. “Why is it that only Maharashtra is expected to follow this formula? The High Court and Supreme Court still operate in English. Why this unique burden on us? When Maharashtra wakes up, the country listens,” he asserted.
Raj also defended the right to confront anti-Marathi sentiment but urged restraint, asking supporters not to indulge in unnecessary violence or record such confrontations for publicity. “Channels are already here with cameras ready. By tonight, everyone will be analysing our body language—Did someone smile? Were we awkward? But forget all that. Today’s message is simple: Marathi is our only agenda. No flags, no distractions.”
Mocking the hypocrisy of BJP leaders who preach love for Marathi while sending their children to English-medium schools, Raj said, “When their children learn in English and they preach about Marathi, it’s pure drama. Even Balasaheb Thackeray and my father, Shrikant Thackeray, studied in English schools, yet no one doubted their devotion to Marathi. So let’s not confuse education with identity.”
In a speech laced with both satire and steel, Raj Thackeray made it clear that this newfound unity is a message to political opponents: Marathi pride is non-negotiable, and the days of taking Maharashtra for granted are over.