Latest news with #UddhavThackeray
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
NCP (SP) to join protest march for Marathi; Congress says always upheld cause
Opposition Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Friday extended support to the protest march called on July 5 by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray against imposition of Hindi from Class 1 to 5. The Congress, though has not announced support, clarified that it will do anything to uphold the dignity of Marathi language. NCP (SP) state chief Jayant Patil issued a statement announcing support to the protest march. 'When it comes to looking after the interests of the state and when it comes to looking after the interests of the nation, the NCP (SP) has always stood side-by-side irrespective of political differences,' said Patil, appealing to all the party workers and leaders to join the march. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal said the party has always advocated joining hands against the imposition of Hindi to destroy Marathi language and its culture. 'We do not see this issue limited to a call given by a political party or a particular leader. It is a larger issue of stopping the cultural invasion started by the RSS in Maharashtra,' said Sapkal, adding that his party was the first to give a call to launch a protest against the imposition of Hindi. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar called Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar extending invitation to join the protest on July 5. Wadettiwar said his party has always upheld and supported Marathi culture and pride. 'The party will soon announce its decision on joining the protest,' he said.
News18
12 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Fadnavis Unveils Mega Infra Push, Dares Critics On Hindi Row At News18 Lokmat Conclave
Last Updated: The chief minister said Maharashtra is committed to boosting its maritime strength. He also underlined his focus on turning the state into a manufacturing powerhouse Speaking at the News18 Lokmat Conclave in Mumbai, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday outlined his government's clear vision for Maharashtra's future growth, placing special focus on the young generation. He said that creating jobs through infrastructure-led development is the government's priority, as this is a tried and tested model followed by successful nations worldwide. Highlighting port-led growth, Fadnavis said Maharashtra is committed to boosting its maritime strength. The upcoming Wadhvan port will play a crucial role in making both Maharashtra and India a maritime power. He added that this mega port will be connected to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, enabling seamless connectivity for around 24 districts, which will open new economic corridors. He proudly shared that the Startup India Report 2025 has declared Maharashtra as the new startup capital of India, a clear indication that young innovators and entrepreneurs see Maharashtra as their growth destination. On agriculture, Fadnavis said his government is pushing technological interventions to make farming more profitable and sustainable. He stressed that AI tools are being introduced for farmers to help them adapt to climate-proof farming methods. He also spoke about the Shaktipeeth Mega Highway, which will boost economic prosperity in Marathwada and western Maharashtra. He said this highway will cut transport costs and bring down production costs, benefiting farmers and industries alike. He assured that those opposing the project now will understand its significance in the future. Touching on the ongoing controversy over the Hindi language, Fadnavis reminded that there is no compulsion for Hindi but only the promotion of the tri-language policy as per the National Education Policy. He pointed out that the Mashelkar Committee, formed by the Uddhav Thackeray government itself, had backed compulsory Marathi, English, and Hindi in schools. Finally, Fadnavis alleged that the planned anti-Hindi rally is merely a political stunt linked to the upcoming BMC elections. He recalled how the BJP once stepped back from claiming the Mayor's post to support Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena for the sake of stability. First Published: June 27, 2025, 22:39 IST
News18
16 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Uddhav And Raj Thackeray Join Hands For Marathi Pride: Joint Rally Over Language Issue On July 6
The plan initially involved Raj Thackeray leading a rally on July 6 and Uddhav Thackeray organising a separate march on July 7. But after talks, a single joint rally will be held. In a surprising political turn, Maharashtra's fiery Thackeray brothers — Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray — are set to share a platform after years of sharp differences. The two leaders will lead a joint protest rally on July 6 to oppose what they call the forced imposition of Hindi in the state's schools and to demand stronger safeguards for the Marathi language. This rare show of unity was confirmed when Sanjay Raut, senior leader from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, took to social media to make a pointed announcement — first in Marathi, then in English. In his post, Raut tagged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, signaling that the message was meant for Delhi as much as for Mumbai. Declaring that Maharashtra would witness a united fight against Hindi dominance, he underlined that the Thackeray name itself is a brand synonymous with Marathi pride. The developments gained further weight as leaders from Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) spoke publicly about the need for every Marathi-speaking citizen to stand together. According to MNS leaders, the time has come to resist any attempt to sideline Marathi in schools through policies that allegedly push Hindi more aggressively than ever before. What makes this moment remarkable is that it brings together two cousins who have often been on opposing sides of Maharashtra's fractious political landscape. The plan initially involved Raj Thackeray leading a rally on July 6 and Uddhav Thackeray organising a separate march on July 7. But following backchannel discussions, a single massive rally will now be held on July 6 to demonstrate a united front. Meanwhile, the ruling MVA has dismissed these moves as theatrics timed with the upcoming elections. Senior BJP leaders have claimed there is no official compulsion to enforce Hindi in state-run schools and that the opposition is misleading Marathi-speaking voters for political mileage. They insist that the current government remains fully committed to protecting the primacy of Marathi in Maharashtra's cultural and educational fabric. Critics from the ruling side have also attacked Uddhav Thackeray, questioning why his concern for Marathi was missing when he was Chief Minister. They accused him of using the language issue to recover lost ground ahead of polls and claim that this sudden embrace of Raj Thackeray is a last-ditch effort to stay politically relevant. Despite the political crossfire, the prospect of the Thackeray brothers sharing a stage has ignited speculation in Maharashtra's political circles. Their supporters believe that when it comes to defending Marathi identity, old rivalries can be set aside. For many citizens, this rally could be more than just a protest — it may mark the beginning of a new, if uneasy, understanding between two influential factions that once defined Mumbai's streets and Maharashtra's regional politics. Whether this new alignment lasts beyond the July 6 rally remains to be seen, but for now, the Thackeray brothers' reunion has certainly captured the state's attention — and Delhi's too. First Published: June 27, 2025, 12:04 IST
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Shiv Sena, BJP slam Thackeray cousins for opposing Hindi in Maha schools
Mumbai: As estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray unite in opposing what they call the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra's school curriculum, the Shiv Sena and BJP on Friday hit back, accusing them of indulging in political theatrics ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena leader Yogesh Kadam dismissed the opposition as mere political posturing. 'This is just politics. Marathi is and should be known to everyone in Maharashtra. We have made Marathi compulsory in all schools, but we have not imposed any strict rules for Hindi. With the BMC elections approaching, this narrative is being created to appeal to Marathi voters. The Maharashtra government has already clarified this. Whether it's the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or our Education Minister, they have all stated that Hindi is not being forced. Students have 22 language options, including Hindi. So, this is only a political strategy to attract Marathi voters in BMC polls,' he said. Another Shiv Sena leader, Shaina NC said, 'The way Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are suddenly coming together is purely political. With BMC elections around the corner, they are trying to capitalise on emotional issues. Our leader, Eknath Shinde, has made it clear that there will be consultations with all stakeholders. Marathi will remain the first language. We are not making Hindi compulsory. Our priority remains Marathi.' BJP leader Ram Kadam also criticised the Thackeray cousins, saying, 'Marathi was, is, and will always be the language of Maharashtra. We have not made Hindi mandatory. Only Marathi has been made compulsory. Uddhav Thackeray has a copy of the Government Resolution (GR), but perhaps he doesn't understand it—just like he once claimed he couldn't read the budget. During his tenure, Uddhav Thackeray accepted the three-language policy. Now he is opposing it. Why mislead the public? No one is enforcing Hindi. People already know how to speak Hindi. This is just a political stunt before the BMC elections.' Meanwhile, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray reiterated their opposition to the state government's recent order making Hindi the default third language in primary education. Their parties have announced separate protests scheduled for July 6 and 7, further fueling speculation of a political reunion after nearly two decades, possibly timed with local body elections across Maharashtra. The controversy stems from a recent order issued by the BJP-led Mahayuti government, stating that Hindi will 'in general' be the third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools—unless at least 20 students in a class opt for another language. In response, both Thackeray cousins held separate press conferences, criticising the move and the broader three-language policy, calling it an unwelcome attempt to impose Hindi in a state with a rich Marathi linguistic and cultural identity.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
राज ठाकरेंचा फोन आल्याचं उद्धव ठाकरेंना सांगितलं, अन्...संजय राऊतांनी सांगितलं नेमंक काय घडलं?
Raj Thackeray And Uddhav Thackeray Rally Together For Hindi Compulsion In Maharashtra Said Sanjay Raut
