The political climate in Maharashtra stirs once more, focusing on Marathi identity and the power struggle. After two decades, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray share the stage. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered sharp criticisms over their joint Marathi unity rally. Fadnavis remarked that what was termed a 'victory gathering' was essentially a 'lament speech.'
Earlier, the Thackeray brothers celebrated a rally in Mumbai on the back of the state government's decision to retract two government resolutions (GRs) mandating Hindi as the third language in schools from the first grade. Raj Thackeray humorously admitted that while Bal Thackeray couldn't unify them, Devendra Fadnavis managed to bring them together on one stage.
Reacting to this, Fadnavis stated, "I believe I have the blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray. I was informed it would be a 'victory' rally, but it turned into a 'lament' speech. There were no talks about Marathi pride, only hunger for power. This wasn’t about Marathi victory, it was political lamentation."
Fadnavis targeted the Thackeray brothers on Mumbai's progress, stating their 25-year control over the municipal corporation achieved nothing noteworthy. Under PM Modi's leadership, we have transformed Mumbai's face. Areas like BDD Chawl and Abhyudaya Nagar have granted Marathi people their rights, inciting jealousy.
Clarifying his stance on Marathi identity, he said, "We are Marathi, proud to be so. We are Hindutva followers, proud to be Hindu. Whether Marathi or non-Marathi, everyone stands with us."
Raj Thackeray targeted the central government questioning, “Why is Hindi being so heavily emphasized suddenly? This is not love for the language but an agenda. They are trying to impose Hindi on us, which we won’t tolerate. When our children study in English medium schools, our Marathi pride is questioned. Yet, when BJP leaders studied in missionary schools, no one questioned their Hindutva. This hypocrisy won’t fly.”
Raj Comments on Mira Road Incident
Referring to the recent Mira Road incident, Raj stated, "If someone was slapped during a fight and turned out to be Gujarati, what can be done? Is it written on their forehead who they are? Don't raise a hand without reason, but don’t stay silent if someone oversteps. And yes, stop recording videos of scuffles. Don’t attack without reason, but if mistakes are made, lessons must be taught."
We Are United to Stay United: Uddhav
Addressing the rally, Uddhav asserted that we (with Raj Thackeray) are united to stay united. Our unity is important. Individuals worked to bridge the gap between Raj and me. Disrespect towards Marathi won’t be tolerated. These people (BJP-Shinde faction) utilize a use-and-discard policy. Now it's our turn. We will uproot them. School searches continue. No singular claim over Hindutva. We need no lessons in Hindutva.
