Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), alleged that the Maharashtra government withdrew two government resolutions (GRs) related to the controversial three-language policy to prevent a massive protest march against the imposition of Hindi. Thackeray stated that if the government had not rescinded the orders, even Marathi supporters from the ruling BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and the NCP would have joined the protest on July 5, 2025.
Addressing the media at Vidhan Bhavan on Monday, Thackeray emphasized that the withdrawal was a move to avert a united front of political parties opposing the imposition of Hindi in primary schools. The former Maharashtra Chief Minister remarked that the unity displayed by Marathi speakers had “shattered the heads of Marathi-haters” and urged that this solidarity be maintained for future challenges.
He added, “On the 5th of July, we will celebrate our victory. Discussions are ongoing with all those who have stood with us in this movement. Our unity is important to show that this government’s malicious intent to create divisions among Marathi-speaking people will not succeed.”
Thackeray also thanked the political leaders and citizens who set aside party differences to join the cause. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “The love for our mother tongue should always outweigh party politics. Whether it was from the Shiv Sena or other parties, the Marathi people stood together for a common cause.”
The protest against the government’s decision to implement Hindi as a mandatory language for Classes 1 to 5 gained traction across Maharashtra. Following mounting opposition, the state government decided to withdraw the two GRs related to the implementation of the policy. The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, formed a committee chaired by educationist Narendra Jadhav to reassess the issue.
Thackeray, however, criticized the government's decision to appoint an economist to head the committee. He said, “While I respect Narendra Jadhav’s intellect, the government’s attempt to reduce the issue to a matter of economics is laughable. This is an educational matter, and the forced imposition of Hindi is over. No one can impose Hindi on the Marathi people now.”
In a final remark, he stated, “The unity of the Marathi people has won, and no one will be able to impose Hindi on Maharashtra now.”
