Raj and Uddhav Thackeray appeared on the same stage after two decades at the 'Aawaj Marathicha' rally in Worli. Raj Thackeray appealed for unity to protect Marathi identity and hailed the rollback of the three-language formula as a victory.
Maharashtra: A historic moment in Maharashtra politics occurred when Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray shared a stage after nearly two decades. This scene was witnessed during the 'Aawaj Marathicha' rally held at the NSCI Dome in Worli. Speaking from the stage, Raj Thackeray hailed the cancellation of the three-language formula for the Marathi language and culture as a victory for Marathi identity. He called this decision a result of Marathi unity.
Praise for Fadnavis, Balasaheb's Dream
Raj Thackeray said, “What Balasaheb could not do, Fadnavis has done.” He said that the role played by Devendra Fadnavis in bringing us (Raj and Uddhav Thackeray) together on one stage is very important. The entire pandal erupted in applause at Raj Thackeray's statement.
Warning against attempts to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra
Raj Thackeray, without taking any names, warned that attempts to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra would never succeed. He said that if anyone dared to touch Mumbai, the true strength of the Marathi people would be revealed.
The agenda of imposing Hindi will not work
Raj Thackeray, questioning the central government's language policy, asked, "Why is so much emphasis being given to Hindi suddenly?" He called it not love for the language but a political agenda. He said that attempts are being made to impose Hindi on the Marathi community, which will not be accepted.
English Medium versus Marathi Identity
Raj Thackeray also questioned the double standards. He said that when Marathi people send their children to English medium schools, questions are raised about their Marathi identity. But when BJP leaders study in missionary schools, no questions are raised about their Hindutva. He called it hypocrisy.
Mention of Balasaheb Thackeray and English Medium
Raj Thackeray mentioned that Balasaheb Thackeray and his father, Shrikant Thackeray, also studied in English medium, but they never abandoned Marathi. He also shared an incident from 1999 when Balasaheb had clearly said that only a Marathi person would be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Advice to learn from South India
Raj Thackeray, citing the example of South India, said that the leaders and artists there have shown unity regarding their languages. He mentioned names like AR Rahman and Jayalalithaa, saying that their dedication to language has always been clear. He said, "If I learn Hebrew, what problem does anyone have?"
Concern over caste-based politics
Raj Thackeray said that when people in Maharashtra have united on the language issue, some people will now start caste-based politics to break Marathi unity. He urged the public not to fall into this trap and to remain united for Marathi identity.
Raj Thackeray, giving the example of the Indian Army's regiments, said that just as all regiments fight unitedly during wartime, the Marathi community should also remain united on issues of language and culture.
Reaction to the Mira Road incident
Reacting to the recent Mira Road incident, Raj Thackeray said that a person's identity is not written on their forehead. He said that if someone is at fault, they should be held accountable, but no one should be attacked without reason. He also expressed displeasure over the trend of making videos.
