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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Stalin Cheers Thackeray Cousins' Reunion, Says BJP's Hindi Push Sparked 'Storm Of Protest'
Last Updated: Stalin welcomed the victory rally of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai, saying the BJP was forced to back down from its 'lawless' Hindi imposition due to fear of an uprising. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin welcomed the reunion of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) Raj Thackeray after 20 years in Maharashtra, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of forcing Hindi on other states. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared the stage for the first time in two decades at the Awaj Marathicha rally in Mumbai, declaring their ambitions to 'capture power" in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and in Maharashtra. The two leaders said the differences between them had been erased and reaffirmed their opposition to the Hindi language imposition. The Maharashtra education department had earlier announced that Hindi would be made a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools, but the policy was rolled back after strong backlash. 'Storm Of Protest' Taking to X, Stalin drew parallels with Tamil Nadu's own opposition to the three-language formula, said the BJP's imposition of the Hindi language had transcended state boundaries and had ignited a 'storm of protest" in Maharashtra. 'The BJP, which acts lawlessly and anarchically by stating that funds will be allocated only if Hindi is taught as a third language in Tamil Nadu schools, has been forced to back down for the second time in Maharashtra, where they govern, due to fear of the people's uprising," he said. Notably, Stalin had fiercely opposed the 'imposition of Hindi" as a compulsory language in the three-language formula proposed by the Centre, calling it 'Hindi colonialism" and saying it was pressuring non-Hindi-speaking states. The Chief Minister lauded the enthusiasm and powerful oratory of the victory rally held by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, saying their stand against Hindi imposition 'filled us with immense excitement". 'Will Teach BJP A Lesson' Stalin said the Centre had no response to Raj Thackeray's questions on what the third language would be in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and why Hindi was being imposed on non-Hindi-speaking states, while Hindi-speaking states are lagging behind economically. 'Will the Union government change its vindictive stance of releasing Rs.2,152 crore in funds under the integrated education scheme (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan) only if Tamil Nadu accepts the new education policy that imposes Hindi and Sanskrit under the guise of the three-language policy? Will it immediately release the funds legally owed for the education of Tamil Nadu's schoolchildren?" Stalin said Tamil Nadu's struggle against Hindi dominance was emotional, intellectual and driven by the protection of India's pluralistic culture. He strongly opposed some 'naïve" statements like learning Hindi will help in getting jobs, saying the uprising in Maharashtra will 'open their eyes to wisdom". 'The BJP must atone for the betrayal it has committed against Tamil and Tamil Nadu. If not, Tamil Nadu will once again teach the BJP and its new allies a lesson they will never forget! Come, let us unite!" he added. view comments First Published: July 05, 2025, 22:25 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Reunification saga: Raj, Uddhav will wait till civic poll bugle is sounded
MUMBAI: Amid speculations over a tie-up between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which intensified when the Thackeray cousins participated in a joint rally on July 5, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Monday underlined that the rally 'was limited for the issue of Marathi language and was not political'. Mumbai, India, July 05, 2025: Raj Thackeray, Chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Uddhav Thackeray, Chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), reunited after 20 years at a public rally at NSCI Dome, Worli in Mumbai. The event, titled "Awaj Marathicha" (Voice of the Marathi), was jointly organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS to mark the withdrawal of government resolutions (GRs) related to the three-language policy in primary schools. Mumbai, India. 05, 2025. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) (Raju Shinde) Raj added that any 'decision of forging a political alliance would be taken when the civic elections are announced'. This was concurred by his cousin, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. The Thackerays called attention to a possible reunification when they held the rally in Worli to celebrate the government withdrawing its decision to make the study of Marathi as third language in primary schools mandatory if students do not opt for any other language. The rally also led to excitement among the rank and file of both the parties as soon as Uddhav announced that they had 'come together to stay together in future'. Following the event, while Sena (UBT) leaders have been candid about the tie-up, Raj instructed his leaders to exercise restraint, leading to speculations of his indecisiveness for the polls. Speaking to journalists informally taking a break from a workshop with his leaders on Monday, Raj said: 'Let elections be declared; we will then take a call (on the alliance) depending on the existing political situation.' In a similar vein, Uddhav Thackeray also said his party would adopt a wait-and-watch stance. 'The MNS chief has directed party leaders not to speak about the alliance. Let polls be announced, only then a decision will be taken,' Uddhav told the media, outside the Vidhan Bhavan, on Monday. Uddhav's stand on Monday was contrary to that of the party the previous day, as expressed in Saamana. In an editorial, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had called the reconciliation 'a need of the hour' to protect Maharashtra's interests. 'The very idea of Uddhav and Raj joining hands has rattled the ruling parties,' wrote Raut in his latest column in the party mouthpiece. 'Leaders in Delhi and Maharashtra are trembling. They know their politics will collapse like a house of cards if the brothers unite — especially Eknath Shinde.' INDIA bloc must meet before polls, says Uddhav Saurabha Kulshreshtha MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said leaders of the INDIA bloc must meet ahead of the Bihar elections and local body polls across Maharashtra, scheduled for later this year. The bloc, an alliance of around three dozen parties, was formed to take on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the run-up to the parliamentary elections last year. However, Thackeray pointed out, leaders of the INDIA bloc had not met even once since the Lok Sabha elections. 'Now Bihar elections and local body polls across Maharashtra are coming up, so INDIA bloc leaders should meet soon,' said Thackeray. He also said a decision on an alliance for local body elections would be taken only after the polls were formally announced. While addressing the media in the state legislature premises, Thackeray also commented on developments in the Supreme Court case relating to the party's name and symbol. He welcomed the apex court's decision to hold its next hearing in August. 'It's good that the Supreme Court has decided to hold a hearing on the Shiv Sena party name and symbol case against the Election Commission of India (ECI). It would be great if it could also deliver its verdict in August. For us (Sena-UBT), the Supreme Court is the last ray of hope, which will decide on the theft of our party name and symbol,' said Thackeray. 'The ECI changed the name of our party and gave our name to thieves,' he said, referring to the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, who split the undivided party in 2022. 'It is not acceptable that the ECI can take a decision on such matters. ECI has the right to decide on party symbols but it cannot give a party's name to anyone of its choosing, and change the name of a party,' said Thackeray.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
No need for alliances, says Sena UBT's Sanjay Raut on upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday that arrangements like the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are not necessary for the upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra. There is pressure and demand from the public on Shiv Sena and MNS to contest local body elections together, Raut said.(ANI File) Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut also said there is growing public pressure that the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) contest the upcoming local body polls jointly. 'However, since the elections are yet to be announced, we will take a call at an appropriate time," Raut said. 'MVA was formed for the Maharashtra assembly elections, and the INDIA bloc for the Lok Sabha polls. There is no need for such alliances when it comes to civic elections,' he said. About two dozen parties from across the country are a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), while MVA comprises the Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Elections in Maharashtra civic bodies, including the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will likely be held later this year. The Bal Thackeray-founded Shiv Sena, which split in 2022, had controlled the BMC for nearly two decades. Raj shared the stage with Uddhav in Mumbai at a gathering titled 'Awaj Marathicha' recently to celebrate the rollback of two government resolutions issued by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in Maharashtra schools. "I have not said that Shiv Sena and MNS are contesting the (local body) elections together. I said that there is pressure and demand from the public on Shiv Sena and MNS to contest local body elections together,' Raut said. Raut also referred to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's mention of Sangh ideologue late Moropant Pingley's statement about stepping aside after 75 years of age. Bhagwat's statement is a signal to PM Narendra Modi that he should step down from the top post when he turns 75 in September, Raut said. Raut said Bhagwat had specifically referred to Pingley's remarks while speaking at the launch of the book, Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence, in Nagpur on Wednesday. 'Pingley once said that when the shawl of 75 years is draped over you, it means that you have reached a certain age and should step aside and let others work,' Bhagwat said during the Nagpur event.
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
No need for tie-ups like INDIA or MVA for civic polls in Maharashtra: Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday that arrangements like the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are not necessary for the upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra. The Rajya Sabha member was speaking to reporters here during a routine media interaction. MVA was formed for the Maharashtra assembly elections, and the INDIA bloc for the Lok Sabha polls. There is no need for such alliances when it comes to civic elections, he said. About two dozen parties from across the country are a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), while MVA comprises the Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Raut also referred to public sentiment in Mumbai and other cities for a joint contest between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). There is pressure from people that Sena (UBT) and MNS should contest the civic polls in Mumbai and other cities in the state together. However, since the elections are yet to be announced, we will take a call at an appropriate time, Raut said. Elections in Maharashtra civic bodies, including the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will likely be held later this year. The Bal Thackeray-founded Shiv Sena, which split in 2022, had controlled the BMC for nearly two decades. Responding to Raut's remarks, Shiv Sena leader and state minister Uday Samant took a swipe at the possible alliance between the Sena (UBT) and MNS. After the alliance is formed, one party will only try to fulfil its agenda, Samant said, indirectly targeting Uddhav Thackeray's party. Samant was speaking to the media on the premises of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. Samant also drew a contrast between recent public statements by Raj Thackeray and those from the Sena (UBT) camp, referring to the joint rally of the two parties earlier this month. Raj Thackeray spoke about concerns of the Marathi community, while the other (Uddhav) spoke only about politics, he said. A few days ago, Raj shared the stage with Uddhav in Mumbai at a victory gathering titled Awaj Marathicha' to celebrate the rollback of two government resolutions issued by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in Maharashtra schools. The coming together of the estranged cousins has not only enthused cadres of both parties, but it could also give a lifeline to both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), which are struggling to regain their footing after drubbings in the assembly polls last year. Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, have indicated that they might contest the polls in most civic bodies jointly, barring the exception of a few friendly contests among allies in select local bodies.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Language row: Raj Thackeray issues gag order to MNS cadres
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Amid the language controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has prohibited his party members from interacting with media or posting personal reactions on social media the party's official spokespersons should not speak to the media without his prior approval, Thackeray said on instructions came days after he shared the stage with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai at a victory gathering, titled 'Awaj Marathicha', to celebrate the rollback of two Government Resolutions (GRs) issued earlier by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state coming together of the estranged cousins-turned-comrades has not only enthused cadres of both parties, but it could also give a lifeline to both parties, which are struggling to regain their footing after drubbing in the assembly polls last a post on X on Tuesday night, Raj Thackeray said, "A clear one from the party should communicate with newspapers, news channels, or any digital platforms. Also, no one should post personal reaction videos on social media."He further said even those designated as official spokespersons of the party should not speak to the media or express views on social media without his explicit permission."Those who have been officially given the responsibility of speaking to the media must also seek my approval before doing so," he reason was attributed by the MNS leader or the party behind his on Tuesday, the MNS and other groups led a protest march in Mira Bhayandar area near Mumbai to defend the Marathi 'asmita' (pride) amid rising political heat following the attack on a shopkeeper for refusal to speak in march witnessed detention of several activists by the police with leaders and workers of the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) also joining the march was organised by the MNS and other pro-Marathi groups under the aegis of Marathi Ekikaran Samiti to counter a protest staged by traders recently against the slapping of a food stall owner by MNS workers on July 1 for not speaking in Marathi.
