Maharashtra: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Join Forces Against Hindi Policy in Maharashtra, Eye Political Comeback
Mumbai, 27th June 2025: In a significant political development in Maharashtra, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, both currently sidelined in Maharashtra politics, are preparing to unite over the issue of ‘Hindi opposition’ to revive their political fortunes. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to secure only 20 seats in the last assembly elections, while Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) was wiped out. With both leaders concerned about the survival of the ‘Thackeray brand’, their alliance is seen as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
The opportunity for collaboration arose after the Maharashtra state government issued a directive making Hindi compulsory as a third language from classes one to five. Both the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) began opposing this order, despite Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifying that learning Hindi would not be mandatory. Education Minister Dada Bhuse also met Raj Thackeray to explain that Hindi would be taught orally in classes one and two, with written instruction starting from class three.
Nevertheless, Raj Thackeray announced a protest march against the Hindi policy on 5th July, from Girgaon Chowpatty to Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, which had initially planned a separate protest for 7th July, has now decided to join Raj’s rally on 5th July, signaling a rare show of unity. Uddhav Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut confirmed the decision, indicating that the ‘Hindi opposition’ has provided both leaders a chance to present a united front to Marathi voters.
This joint action is widely seen as a bid by the Thackeray cousins to gauge and consolidate Marathi sentiment, especially among those who have long advocated for their political reunion since the formation of the MNS in 2006. The move comes after Raj Thackeray’s recent statement that their personal disputes are minor compared to Maharashtra’s interests, hinting at openness to alliances for the state’s benefit.
