Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to join forces to Oppose the “imposition” of Hindi in primary schools under the three-language formula. Following parallel announcements earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the two parties - Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) - would now jointly hold a rally on July 5 in Mumbai.
“Thackeray is the brand!” Mr. Raut posted on social media, along with a photograph of the two leaders. This marks the first time the Thackeray cousins have united on a political issue since Raj Thackeray founded the MNS in 2006.
Won't allow imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra, BJP trying to create language divide: Uddhav
Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar also expressed opposition to the three-language formula. “It is incorrect to impose Hindi from Grade 1 to Grade 4. The government shouldn’t force it. Today, 55% people speak Hindi in India. It can be a language of communication. Because there is no hatred towards Hindi in Maharashtra, it shouldn’t be made mandatory,” he said while speaking to reporters in Kolhapur.
Asked whether he would join the Thackerays’ protest, Mr. Pawar said he would “first understand the issue after returning to Mumbai.”
