The conflict ignited by making Hindi mandatory as a third language in Maharashtra has escalated into a Marathi versus non-Marathi debate. Supporters of Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) assaulted a shopkeeper simply because he did not speak Marathi.
This incident sparked a war of words among leaders from UP, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey challenged the Thackeray brothers to come to UP-Bihar, threatening a harsh confrontation. Former BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua also joined the rhetoric.
In this triangular verbal clash of UP and Bihar versus Maharashtra, both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appear to have taken a back foot. Uddhav Thackeray has been clarifying since the beginning that they are not against any language, only against its imposition. With the heightening controversy, Raj Thackeray also instructed his party members to avoid inflammatory statements. Why this softened tone from the Thackeray brothers?
The Necessity of Hindi-Speaking Votes
Soon, elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other local bodies will take place in Maharashtra. After the split in Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray faces the challenge to maintain dominance over BMC. Recent camaraderie between Uddhav and Raj is perceived in light of the BMC elections, where the estimated Hindi-speaking population exceeds 3.5 million in Mumbai and its suburbs.
Source: aajtak
Areas under the BMC like Thane, Kalyan, Vasai Virar, Navi Mumbai, and Palghar also harbor a significant number of Hindi-speaking residents. The strength of Hindi speakers in Mumbai's politics is demonstrated by the fact that almost every party fielded North Indian candidates in the last Maharashtra assembly elections. BJP nominated Amarjeet Singh from Kalina, Sanjay Upadhyay from Borivali, Sneha Dubey from Vasai, and Vidya Thakur from Goregaon.
The Congress fielded Mohammad Arif Naseem Khan from Chandivali, Sandeep Pandey from Nalasopara, Yashwant Singh from Charkop, and Aslam Sheikh from Malad West. Shiv Sena (Shinde), part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), fielded Sanjay Nirupam, a Hindi-speaking candidate, from Dindoshi.
The Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) gambled on three North Indians: Nawab Malik from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Sana Malik from Anushakti Nagar, and Zeeshan Siddiqui from Bandra East. SP granted Abu Asim Azmi the ticket from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar and Fahad Ahmed from Anushakti Nagar.
Lesson from Assembly Elections, Eyes on BMC
The NDA outperformed the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) by fielding more Hindi-speaking candidates and benefited from the increased support among Hindi-speaking voters, clinching a resounding victory. Aware of Maharashtra's political dynamics, Uddhav Thackeray is wary of alienating Hindi-speaking voters ahead of the BMC elections.
Source: aajtak
Opposition to Hindi Could Harm Many Bodies
Hindi speakers have consistently wielded significant influence in Maharashtra's political arena. Influential ministers like Nawab Malik, Kripashankar Singh, Vidya Thakur, Mohammad Arif Naseem Khan, Chandrakant Tripathi, and Dr. Ram Manohar Tripathi have shaped state policies. Hindi-speaking populations are significant not only in Mumbai but also in other major cities like Aurangabad, Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik, where they play decisive roles in local governance.
Also Read: How Did Thackeray's Political Ground Shift? Why Are Uddhav and Raj Instigating the Marathi 'War'?
The antagonism towards Hindi could adversely affect Shiv Sena's (UBT) electoral prospects in the BMC and over half a dozen other councils.
Aaditya Thackeray's Constituency Compulsions
UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya represents the Worli assembly seat. Since 1990, this Shiv Sena stronghold has been under the Thackeray family’s influence. While opposing Hindi, Uddhav strives to avoid appearing anti-Hindi, largely due to Worli's political landscape.
Also Read: Uddhav Targeted Nishikant Over 'Thumping Beating' Comments, Said - Some People Behave Like Hyenas...
Worli has a significant non-Marathi population, a large segment of which speaks Hindi. This is why Aaditya Thackeray had campaign posters printed in multiple languages. Hindi speakers have long held a significant electoral stake in Worli. In 1951, Pandit Bhagirath Jha won the assembly election from this very area.
