In a dramatic shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape, estranged cousins against the state government’s new language policy in primary education. The rally, scheduled for July 5, will begin at Girgaon Chowpatty and culminate at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra government recently amended its language instruction policy, allowing Hindi to be offered as an optional third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. However, opposition leaders argue this is a veiled attempt to impose Hindi on the state’s children and marginalise Marathi identity.

While the state insists that the policy is flexible, critics remain unconvinced. “The BJP is trying to create a divide among people on the basis of language. It is imposing a language emergency,” said Uddhav Thackeray, challenging the state’s motives. “We do not oppose any language nor do we hate any language, but it does not mean that we will forcefully accept the imposition of any language.”

The controversy erupted after a government circular mentioned that Hindi would “generally” be the third language in schools. Although the order allows students to opt for other Indian languages—if 20 or more per class choose to do so—Uddhav and Raj see this as symbolic coercion. Uddhav has demanded clarity from CM Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to confirm that Hindi won’t be made mandatory.

Raj Reschedules Rally to July 5 for Ashadhi Ekadashi

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who had originally planned a solo protest for July 6, revised the schedule to avoid a clash with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a major religious festival. “With warm regards, Jai Maharashtra… there is a slight change in that plan; the morcha will now take place on Saturday, July 5, at 10 AM from Girgaum to Azad Maidan. The location and all other details remain unchanged,” Raj announced on social media.

Before deciding to coordinate with Shiv Sena (UBT), Raj had appealed to all parties and cultural icons across Maharashtra to participate, emphasising the non-political nature of the march. “This is a conspiracy to erase Maharashtra’s Marathi identity,” he warned, clarifying that party flags would be absent during the protest.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut confirmed the unified plan. “A united march will take place against the imposition of Hindi in schools in Maharashtra. Jai Maharashtra!” he posted on X, accompanied by a nostalgic image of the two Thackerays standing before a portrait of Bal Thackeray.

Uddhav had initially endorsed a separate rally on July 7, supported by the Anti-Mumbai Tribhasha Sutra Coordination Committee. However, the announcement of a joint march on July 5 indicates a broader political and cultural alignment. “This is not just an educational issue; it is cultural encroachment,” Uddhav had warned earlier.

Aaditya Thackeray Also Slams Hindi Push in Schools

Youth leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the language directive: “No language should be forced. What we have been learning should continue. Education should be enhanced, but not burdened. Why only Hindi? Why not improve what’s already in place rather than adding to the load?”

Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar added weight to the opposition, stressing the cognitive limitations young children face with language overload. “There is no issue with children learning Hindi after Class 5. But we must analyse how many languages a child of a certain age can realistically learn and what linguistic burden that places on them,” Pawar remarked.

The Education Minister, Dada Bhuse, had attempted to explain the rationale behind the three-language policy to Raj Thackeray personally, but his efforts did little to change the MNS chief’s position. “We cannot accept this policy. The issue of optional languages is applicable only after Grade 5 and as per the NEP, it’s up to the states to decide – so why is Maharashtra going ahead with this when other states haven’t?” Raj questioned.

He further criticised the growing influence of central education boards in the state, saying, “CBSE schools, set up for IAS officers’ children, are already dominant in pushing Hindi. Why is Maharashtra going down this path when no other state is doing this?”

As the protest day nears, political analysts believe this rare display of unity by the Thackeray cousins is more than just a cultural stand—it also signals a strategic alliance with an eye on the upcoming BMC elections. Still, the main message remains rooted in linguistic pride and a firm stand against what both leaders describe as an erosion of Marathi identity.