Raj-Uddhav unity shows power of Marathi manoos, says Sanjay Raut on three-language policy row

“And this is just the beginning,” said Raut. “We will continue to unite for the cause of Marathi. In Maharashtra, it is the Marathi people who deserve to hold power.” File Pic

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, addressing the media, revealed his party chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founder Raj Thackeray were set to lead a joint protest on July 5 in Mumbai against the state government's move to impose Hindi in school curricula. However, following the government's decision to withdraw the controversial resolutions mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language, the protest has now been turned into a celebration.

Raut emphasised that it was the united stance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) that compelled the government to roll back the decision, showcasing the political power of Marathi unity.

Addressing the rollback, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray were prepared to lead a united protest. The Maharashtra government witnessed the strength of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) standing together."

He added, "It was this unity that compelled the government to reverse its decision to make Hindi compulsory in schools."

Now, what was meant to be a protest has turned into a celebration. On July 5, party workers and supporters will gather to mark this victory.

"And this is just the beginning," said Raut. "We will continue to unite for the cause of Marathi. In Maharashtra, it is the Marathi people who deserve to hold power."

Responding to BJP's claim that Uddhav Thackeray accepted the Mashelkar Committee's recommendation on the three-language policy, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "Lying has become the BJP's national policy, and they're following it here in Maharashtra too. If Uddhav Thackeray really accepted the Mashelkar Committee report, then let the government make it public."

He added, "The report was tabled and placed before the cabinet - can't such things be discussed? You forced the Hindi language issue into the cabinet because it aligns with your national agenda. If any national policy affects the state, then debate is necessary. Devendra Fadnavis has been the chief minister three times - doesn't he have the basic understanding of this process?"

Echoing the sentiment, Uddhav Thackeray announced that the protest would now become a celebration.

"We have shown that the collective strength of the Marathi people made the government step back," he declared.

From Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to Minister Dada Bhuse, several leaders were at the forefront of pushing for the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra's schools.

However, both Deputy Chief Ministers - Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar - played key roles in rolling back the controversial move, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of the government resolution.

Earlier, amid the growing uproar over Maharashtra's new three-language policy in schools, Raj and Uddhav geared up to intensify their resistance. The policy is widely perceived as a veiled attempt to enforce Hindi on students across the state.

The controversy stems from the Mahayuti government's April decision to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which includes a three-language model. Initially, Hindi was required as the third language. Following the backlash, the government revised the decision, making Hindi optional.