Questioning the government’s decision to implement Hindi as a third language in primary schools, Raj Thackeray asked, “Where did this Hindi language issue suddenly come from? It’s completely unnecessary. Children in classes 1 to 5 don’t need to study Hindi”
Raj firmly opposed the imposition of Hindi, asserting, “Why should we learn Hindi in Maharashtra? Hindi is only a 200-year-old language—it wasn’t even around in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era.” Pic/ Ashish Rane
Speaking at the Marathi Vijay Diwas programme at Worli Dome, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said the protest should have ideally taken place today. “This gathering was meant to be held at a maidan, but due to the monsoon, we had to shift it indoors. Those standing outside the Dome can watch the event on the big screens,” he added.
Emphasising unity over politics, Raj stated, “No political fights or arguments are bigger than Maharashtra.” In a rare moment of light-heartedness, he said, “What Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis has managed to bring the Thackeray brothers together.”
He clarified that this was not a political event, declaring, “There will be no party flags here. Our only agenda is Maharashtra.”
Questioning the government’s decision to implement Hindi as a third language in primary schools, Raj Thackeray asked, “Where did this Hindi language issue suddenly come from? It’s completely unnecessary. Children in classes 1 to 5 don’t need to study Hindi.”
Criticising the ruling dispensation, he said, “The government may hold power in Vidhan Bhavan, but we have the power of the people on the streets.” Raj also raised a point about legal institutions: “In the High Court and Supreme Court, English is used. So, where is your three-language policy there?”
Raj questioned state minister Bhuse, asking, “If Maharashtra is forced to learn Hindi, then what languages will states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar adopt under this policy?”
Raj firmly opposed the imposition of Hindi, asserting, “Why should we learn Hindi in Maharashtra? Hindi is only a 200-year-old language—it wasn’t even around in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era.”
He addressed criticism of his and his family's educational background, saying, “I studied in a Marathi medium school, my children studied in English medium, but Shrikant Thackeray and Balasaheb Thackeray also went to English schools. That doesn’t reduce our love or respect for Marathi.”
He reminded the audience of his father’s legacy: “Balasaheb Thackeray studied in an English school and worked as a cartoonist at an English newspaper, yet he was always immensely proud to be Marathi.”
Urging people to remain peaceful, Raj remarked, “There’s no need for violence over language. But if someone insults Marathi, a tight slap is well-deserved.” He also warned, “The government will once again try to divide us on the basis of religion and caste. We must remain vigilant and united.”
Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray hold a joint rally at Worli NSCI Dome to celebrate Marathi Vijay Diwas after state scraps 3-language policy GRs.
— Mid Day (@mid_day) July 5, 2025
By: @ranjeetnature & @AshishRane2 #MarathiVijayDiwas #LanguagePolicy #MaharashtraPolitics pic.twitter.com/P2UOqAVdJD
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