Maharashtra govt trying to erase Marathi: Uddhav
Thackeray was addressing party workers during a function to announce the merger of Raju Shetti-led Shetkari Kranti Sanghatana with the Sena (UBT). 'Despite clear evidence presented by the Opposition regarding corruption involving several ministers, the government has merely issued warnings. I have never seen a chief minister as helpless as this. No one in this administration is accountable,' Thackeray said.
He cited the example of NCP minister Manikrao Kokate, who has been under fire for allegedly playing online rummy during a session of the Legislative Council and making insensitive remarks about farmers. Kokate was quietly shifted from the agriculture department to the sports and youth welfare portfolio late on Thursday. However, Thackeray said the move was 'cosmetic' and demanded his resignation.
The Sena (UBT) has also been demanding the dismissal of ministers Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod and Yogesh Kadam — all from the rival Shiv Sena faction — over various graft allegations. Thackeray announced that his party will hold state-wide agitations to protest against what he described as a 'corrupt and indifferent' government.
Later in the day, speaking at 'Shivalay', the Sena UBT's office near Mantralaya, Thackeray turned his focus to the controversy over language policy, claiming the government was trying to dilute Marathi's place in the state. 'We harbour no hatred towards any language, but do not impose another language on us. The government is trying to finish Marathi in Maharashtra,' he said.
His remarks were in reference to two contentious Government Resolutions (GRs) introducing a three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5, including the mandatory introduction of Hindi. Following intense backlash and a rare show of unity between Uddhav and his cousin Raj Thackeray, the GRs were rolled back last month. The cousins had addressed a joint rally on July 5 to mark the rollback.
'The rollback happened because Maharashtra stood up. We will not allow anyone to trample over our culture and our identity,' Uddhav said.
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