Amidst growing opposition to the plan to include Hindi from the first grade in Maharashtra, the cabinet, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Sunday (June 29) canceled the government order on the 'Tri-Language Policy'.
Mumbai: Following the uproar over the order to make Hindi a compulsory language in schools in Maharashtra, the political equations are rapidly changing after the state government's U-turn. The Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government on Sunday canceled its old order regarding the Tri-Language Policy, after which discussions on the strategies of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have intensified.
In fact, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had announced a massive rally in Mumbai on July 5 against the decision to make Hindi a compulsory language. They also received support from the Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP, and many other Marathi organizations. But now, after the government canceled the order, the question is whether this rally will take place or not, and whether the Thackeray brothers can come together on this issue.
Rally not canceled, now a victory rally
After the government withdrew the Tri-Language Policy order, Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday that the proposed rally on July 5 would not be canceled, but would be taken out as a victory rally. He said that the government has bowed down after seeing the unity of the Marathi people, and this is the result of the strength of the Marathi 'manus' (people). On this occasion, Uddhav said, "We are not against Hindi, but we will definitely oppose its imposition on Marathi children."
Thackeray also questioned why Marathi people unite only in times of crisis. He said that if the Marathi community always remains b in this way, such situations will not arise in the future.
Raj Thackeray also issued a statement
Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray also welcomed the government's move. He said that it is a matter of happiness to see people united for the Marathi language and culture. However, he did not clarify his position on the July 5 rally, leading to speculation about whether the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) will actually share a stage.
Raj Thackeray said, "This retreat by the government shows that Marathi people still have the ability to unite. If this awareness remains on every issue, we will not have any difficulty in protecting our language and culture."
Signals of changing equations in Marathi parties?
Political analysts believe that the unity of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS on the Hindi language issue has sent a new message in Marathi politics. The Thackeray brothers, who have been bitter rivals of each other for a long time, may come on a single platform on this issue, which could also pose a political challenge to the Mahayuti government.
Political experts believe that the issue of Marathi identity has repeatedly heated up in Maharashtra and if the Thackeray family comes together on this issue, its impact can be felt until the next assembly elections. However, Uddhav Thackeray has not yet made any direct announcement regarding a formal reconciliation with Raj Thackeray, but his statements have certainly shown a softening.
Government's claim - Marathi people's concerns addressed
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on behalf of the government, said that the decision to cancel the Tri-Language Policy was taken to respect the sentiments of Marathi parents and students. He said that the government has never been against the Marathi language and culture, but the controversy arose due to some misunderstandings, which have now been resolved.
Now the proposed rally on July 5 will not just be a protest rally, but it is planned to be celebrated as a 'Marathi unity' festival. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers will try to further strengthen public support by calling it a victory for the Marathi language.
