Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Announce Joint Victory Rally On July 5
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Announce Joint Victory Rally On July 5
Mumbai, July 1, 2025
In a rare show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray have confirmed they will hold a joint victory rally on July 5, celebrating the state government’s decision to revoke the controversial three-language policy mandating Hindi from Class 1.
The rally, which was initially planned as a protest, has been transformed into a celebration after the BJP-led Mahayuti government withdrew two government resolutions (GRs) introducing Hindi as a compulsory third language in primary schools.
Speaking to the media on Monday, both Uddhav and Raj reaffirmed their firm opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s three-language formula. They declared that their resistance would continue regardless of the outcome of the recommendations by the Narendra Jadhav-led committee formed by the state government to review the policy.
Rally Venue Under Discussion
According to sources from both parties, the rally may either be held at a large venue like Shivaji Park or take the form of a march ending at the BMC headquarters in Fort, Mumbai. Final decisions on the venue and timing will be made in the coming days.
Political Unity Against Language Imposition
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut confirmed he had spoken with Raj Thackeray earlier in the day, proposing the idea of a joint victory rally. Shortly after, Raj Thackeray addressed a press conference confirming his participation.
Raj compared the momentum against the Hindi language imposition to the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which led to the formation of the state in 1960. “Had the protest gone ahead, it would’ve created an atmosphere reminiscent of the statehood movement,” he said.
He also thanked the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) for supporting the cause and reiterated that the fight against the forced inclusion of Hindi in schools is far from over.
Criticism of Committee Appointment
Uddhav Thackeray expressed skepticism over the appointment of economist Narendra Jadhav to head a committee on education-related matters. “I respect Jadhav, but it’s baffling that an economist was chosen to lead a panel on education policy,” Uddhav said while addressing reporters at the state legislature.
He urged Marathi-speaking citizens to stay united and alert, suggesting the cancellation of the language GRs was an attempt by the government to divide them.
“The July 5 rally will be a show of Marathi pride and strength. The fight isn’t over. No matter what the committee recommends, we will oppose any move to force a third language,” Uddhav said.
The rally marks a significant political alignment between the estranged Thackeray cousins as they seek to consolidate support among the Marathi manoos against perceived cultural impositions.
