In a surprising twist to Maharashtra’s ongoing language controversy, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have publicly signaled willingness to set aside nearly two decades of political rivalry, united by their shared opposition to the state government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government’s directive to enforce Hindi from Classes 1 to 5 under the National Education Policy (NEP) has triggered sharp backlash from regional heavyweights, including Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Raj Thackeray Opens the Door to Uddhav: “For Maharashtra, Disputes Are Small”
During a candid podcast conversation with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, MNS chief Raj Thackeray — a recent NDA ally during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls — emphasized that regional unity is more important than personal rivalries.
“When major issues arise, the disputes and quarrels between us are small. For Maharashtra and the Marathi people, the conflicts between us are insignificant. Coming together is not a difficult task, but the real question is about the willingness to do so,” Raj remarked.
While clarifying that his outreach was not motivated by personal gain, Raj Thackeray stressed the need to keep Maharashtra’s interests above political egos.
Uddhav Responds: “Ready to Unite — But Only Without Betrayers”
Reacting swiftly, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the idea of burying the hatchet but issued a sharp caveat aimed at Raj’s recent partnership with the BJP-led NDA.
“I am also ready to set aside the small quarrels and come together in the interest of the Marathi community. But there is one condition: First, decide that you won’t invite home and serve food to those who act against Maharashtra’s interests, and only then talk about the welfare of the state.”
ALSO READ: Kulbhushan Jadhav denied right to appeal despite ICJ ruling: Pakistani Media
The senior Thackeray also reminded Raj that when Maharashtra’s industries were shifting to Gujarat during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Raj chose to side with the BJP rather than oppose the trend — indirectly holding him accountable for what he called the weakening of Maharashtra’s economic strength.
The Hindi Language Row: What Sparked the Thackeray Rapprochement?
The flashpoint for this unexpected thaw is the Maharashtra government’s controversial move to introduce Hindi as a mandatory third language in primary schools, a significant change from the longstanding two-language model.
Both Raj Thackeray’s MNS and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) have slammed the move as an attack on Marathi linguistic and cultural identity, accusing the BJP-led state government of promoting Hindi hegemony.
Defending the policy, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed the decision was about fostering a “national communication language,” reiterating that Marathi remains compulsory and Hindi’s inclusion is part of NEP’s broader educational vision.
A Thackeray Reunion on the Horizon?
Raj Thackeray’s comments have reignited speculation about the potential political realignment of the Thackeray cousins, whose rivalry shaped much of Maharashtra’s regional politics after Raj split from the Shiv Sena in 2005 to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
While neither leader has committed to a formal alliance, the shared outrage over the Hindi language imposition appears to have reopened lines of communication — a development that could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2025 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The BJP’s push for Hindi has turned into an emotional and cultural flashpoint in a state where Marathi identity remains deeply intertwined with politics. Regional leaders see the move as more than a curriculum update — they see it as an assault on Maharashtra’s cultural sovereignty.
As the Thackeray cousins inch toward a potential reconciliation, the battle over language has once again proven to be one of Maharashtra’s most unifying and divisive political forces.
