Speculation rises over Uddhav-Raj alliance; civic poll seat-sharing major hurdle?
With speculations on rise over a potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, the Uddhav Thackeray faction faces a significant challenge: what kind of proposal should be offered to MNS, and for which seats? The issue is complicated by the comparable influence both parties wield in certain areas, creating a deadlock over the terms of a possible alliance.advertisementIn the 2017 municipal elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 84 seats, but 42 have since deserted the party. In contrast, MNS currently has no corporators, significantly weakening its position. Sources indicate that Uddhav Thackeray's faction believes its stronger standing in assembly constituencies like Dadar, Worli, Wadala, Sewri, Chembur and Bhandur justifies an alliance on their terms.However, some leaders within the faction suspect that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will work to prevent this alliance, wary of its potential to disrupt their dominance in Maharashtra's local politics.
Reflecting on past efforts, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar shared, 'Back then, I tried to bring Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray together. In politics, good or bad things happen when certain events unfold, but I have no idea what will happen next, so it's not appropriate to comment. Time always comes, and no time is ever bad. As the Mahabharata says, 'Time is the greatest force.' There's a lot in that statement.'advertisementShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed suggestions of a one-sided approach, stating, 'Who told you there's no positive response? Is this one-sided love, like a Mughal-e-Azam film or Anarkali? Everyone treads carefully in politics. These are political developments, and the future of Mumbai and Maharashtra, along with the pride of Marathi identity, is at stake. They will do what's needed.'The speculation about a Raj-Uddhav alliance stems from their shared history in the undivided Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray. However, the need to counter the BJP's growing influence have fueled alliance talks. Despite the positive rhetoric from both sides, seat-sharing and local dynamics remain hurdles, and the BJP's potential interference adds further complexity.Must Watch
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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
To promote Hindi, start with the ‘Hindi belt'
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First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Maharashtra scraps 3-language policy in schools, to form new panel amid backlash over Hindi 'imposition'
Facing strong public backlash, the Maharashtra government has cancelled its order making Hindi the third language in primary schools and will set up a new committee to review the policy. read more Amid public backlash for 'imposing' Hindi, the Maharashtra government on Sunday cancelled its revised order on the three-language policy and announced it will form a new committee to review and rework the plan. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the decision was taken at a cabinet meeting after strong opposition to the government's move to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools. 'In the cabinet today, we decided to form a committee led by Dr Narendra Jadhav to study how the three-language policy should be implemented. We will act based on the committee's report,' Fadnavis told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'So, we are cancelling both previous orders on the three-language policy. This committee will consult all stakeholders. For us, Marathi remains central,' he added. The controversy began when the Mahayuti government issued an order in April stating that Hindi would be the default third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools. This was part of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the primary level. Political parties, social groups, and cultural organisations strongly criticised the move. Facing pressure, Fadnavis clarified that Hindi would not be mandatory and that students could choose any regional language as the third language. Earlier this month, the government issued a revised order saying Hindi would 'generally' be taught as the third language. However, the order allowed schools to offer another Indian language if at least 20 students in a class opted for it. Schools could appoint a teacher or provide online classes for those subjects. Despite the changes, criticism continued, with opposition parties and activists accusing the government of favouring Hindi at the expense of regional languages and cultural diversity. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, led protests against the policy, urging Marathi speakers to take to the streets. The opposition grew so strong that Raj Thackeray decided to join forces with his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, to lead a joint protest in Mumbai against the 'imposition of Hindi.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Hindi Imposition Row: Maha CM Withdraws Hindi GR, Thackeray Calls It Victory for Marathi Manoos
/ Jun 30, 2025, 10:27AM IST The Maharashtra government has withdrawn two controversial Government Resolutions (GRs) related to the three-language policy, following massive protests and backlash from opposition parties and civil society. The original April 16 GR made Hindi compulsory as the third language for students in Classes 1 to 5, reigniting fears of "Hindi imposition" in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a new panel led by Narendra Jadhav will now review the policy. Opposition leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, traditionally rivals, came together to oppose the GRs, accusing the government of being anti-Marathi. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-led protests, which saw the burning of the June 17 GR, have now been called off after the rollback.#hindi #marathi #hindivsmarathi #eknathshinde #HindiImposition #MaharashtraPolitics #MarathiLanguage #Fadnavis #UddhavThackeray #RajThackeray #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews
