Watch | Uddhav and Raj Thackeray: Eye on Elections or a New Political Direction?
Atul Howale
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On July 5, two key leaders from Maharashtra's politics appeared on the same stage, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Setting aside their political differences of two decades, they came together over the issue of the Marathi language.
After the government withdrew its decision under the New Education Policy (NEP) to introduce Hindi as a third language in class one, primary schools, a victory rally was organised in Worli, Mumbai, in the presence of the Thackeray brothers.
This decision to teach Hindi in primary schools was seen as an attack on Marathi identity and culture. As a result, a Hindi vs. Marathi debate is being witnessed in Maharashtra, including Mumbai.
To understand the government's decision to introduce Hindi in schools and the political and social developments that followed in Maharashtra, professor Sumeet Mhaskar shared his views in a discussion with The Wire.
A constant topic of discussion in Maharashtra politics for several years has been when the two Thackeray brothers will come together. The Marathi victory rally held in Mumbai on July 5 is a temporary answer to that question. However, the Thackeray brothers are coming together, and their long-term impact on Maharashtra's political landscape remains uncertain.
Mhaskar believes that this unity will benefit both parties, MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), in the upcoming local body elections. It will boost the morale of their party workers and help control the defection of leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.
However, it is difficult to say to these parties how permanent this alliance will be in Maharashtra. From the stage, Uddhav Thackeray said, "We have come together, we will stay together," while Raj Thackeray's tone was slightly more restrained.
Mhaskar indicated that at this point, Uddhav Thackeray has emerged as a strong opposition face against the BJP in recent years in Maharashtra. At the same time, Raj Thackeray's stance has always remained somewhat flexible. In such a scenario, the political equations could shift in the upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai.
This article went live on July ninth, two thousand twenty five, at nine minutes past four in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.