Latest news with #JaiGujarat
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Unlike TN, only against imposition of Hindi in primary schools: Raut
Mumbai: A day after Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin tweeted to back the rally by the Thackeray cousins in Mumbai and said BJP had been forced to retreat for the second time against Hindi imposition in schools, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday welcomed his support. However, he said his party was not opposed to Hindi, only to its imposition in primary schools. "The southern states have been fighting against Hindi for a long time. They don't speak Hindi. Our stand is different. We have not stopped people from speaking in Hindi, or Hindi films and newspapers. We are only against the imposition of Hindi in primary schools," Raut told reporters. Responding to CM Devendra Fadnavis's jibe referring to Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray as rudaali (weeper) who kept complaining about how deputy CM Eknath Shinde brought down the MVA govt, Raut said, "Fadnavis was scared by the success of the rally. In fact, Fadnavis and Shinde should participate in a rudaali competition and we should organise it." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He also criticised Shinde for raising the Jai Gujarat slogan at an event last week in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah, saying he had forgotten Marathi snacks like kaanda poha and batata vada.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Thackerays' Reunion Sparks War of Words in Maharashtra's Political Corridors
Nagpur: The public reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray triggered a fierce backlash from ruling BJP leaders, who dismissed the event as a calculated "emotional drama" ahead of crucial civic elections. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule accused Uddhav Thackeray of posturing. "He delivered a eulogy on Marathi pride only after losing power. When Uddhave was chief minister in 2022, he implemented Hindi compulsion in schools. Now they're blaming us," he said. Referring to the Thackeray cousins' appearance on a political dais, he added, "Had they come together at a family function, it would have evoked real emotion. This was just political theatre." The former BJP state president also took aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS's electoral relevance, suggesting the reunion was driven by political compulsion rather than ideology. "The platform wasn't for unity but for survival," he said. Taking a jab at the opposition's rally, Bawankule pointed out, "There were more people at the BJP state president's swearing-in ceremony than at the Thackeray show." Echoing similar sentiments, MLC Parinay Fuke said, "This was not a victory rally; it should have been an apology meeting. The policy Uddhav implemented was revoked by Fadnavis. That's the real headline." Fuke further accused the MNS of engaging in symbolic aggression in Mumbai, while avoiding action against big industrial houses. Senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar too echoed similar lines. "The decision to make Hindi an optional subject from Class 1 was made by a committee appointed during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as CM. Marathi was always compulsory," Mungantiwar said. He questioned the outrage now being projected by Shiv Sena (UBT), calling it "selective amnesia." Taking a swipe at the Congress, Bawankule noted their absence from the rally. "Supriya Sule was made to sit off-stage. If it was our event, we'd have offered everyone a seat on the dais," he said, adding, "Even Congress knows it has no place left." Mungantiwar also addressed the Gujarat slogan row at the rally. "How is saying 'Jai Gujarat' after 'Jai Maharashtra' an insult? Are we so small that regional pride now becomes an insult," Mungantiwar said. As civic polls neared, BJP leaders appeared determined to counter what they saw as a symbolic but hollow Thackeray realignment. "The public wants development, not dynastic drama," said Bawankule.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Thackeray brothers reunite after 2 decades: Show of unity or prelude to alliance?
In a show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray, founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), shared the stage for the first time in nearly two decades at a victory rally in Mumbai's Worli Dome on rally, organised to celebrate the BJP-led Maharashtra government's decision to scrap Government Resolutions (GRs) on the controversial three-language policy in primary school curriculums, marked a rare moment of unity between the estranged joint appearance has sparked speculation about a possible alliance ahead of upcoming local body elections, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, potentially reshaping Maharashtra's political dynamics. The Worli rally, though described as apolitical, was steeped in the rhetoric of Marathi identity and pride, a cornerstone of both leaders' political legacies. Raj Thackeray, whose MNS was founded in 2006 after his split from the undivided Shiv Sena, focussed squarely on the issue of Marathi pride. His speech resonated with the audience, reinforcing his long-standing advocacy for the rights of the 'Marathi manoos' (Marathi people).Uddhav Thackeray, on the other hand, used the platform to take political potshots at his rivals, particularly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his 'Jai Gujarat' slogan and accusing the BJP of engaging in divisive Uddhav Thackeray hinted at the possibility of a political reunion, Raj Thackeray remained cautious, refraining from fuelling speculation about a formal alliance. Nevertheless, their joint appearance sent a strong signal to both supporters and opponents, reviving memories of the Thackeray family's once-unified influence over Maharashtra's political prospect of a Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance could significantly alter the electoral arithmetic in Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathi-dominated urban centres like Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, and in Mumbai such as Worli, Sewri, Lalbaug, Parel, Wadala, Byculla, Chembur, Bhandup, and Vikhroli have historically been strongholds of both parties, often witnessing fierce contests between them. A seat-sharing agreement could consolidate their vote banks, giving them a formidable edge in these forging such an alliance will not be without challenges. The two parties have distinct organisational structures, ideological nuances, and historical rivalries, making seat-sharing negotiations a potential minefield. Both leaders will need to navigate internal dissent and competing ambitions to present a united rally at Worli served as a litmus test for their ability to polarise the Marathi electorate around identity politics, a strategy that has proven effective for both parties in the past.A Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance could have far-reaching consequences for Maharashtra's political landscape. The most immediate beneficiary of a consolidated Marathi vote bank might paradoxically be the BJP. By uniting the Thackeray cousins, the Marathi vote could coalesce under their banner, leaving the BJP to dominate the non-Marathi Hindutva electorate, a significant demographic in urban dynamic could weaken the electoral prospects of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and, to a lesser extent, the Congress, both of which rely on portions of the Marathi broader Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, could also face turbulence. Raj Thackeray's vocal opposition to loudspeakers at mosques - a stance that has consistently stirred controversy may alienate minority voters, a key support base for the Congress and NCP (SP). This could push the MVA's consolidated minority vote bank to the brink, creating tensions within the alliance and complicating its electoral rallying around the cause of Marathi pride and celebrating the scrapping of the three-language policy, the Thackeray cousins tapped into a tried-and-tested formula that resonates deeply with their core decision to scrap the three-language policy, which had sparked concerns about the dilution of Marathi in school curriculums, was portrayed as a victory for the state's cultural identity, further amplifying the emotional connect with the Marathi the reliance on identity politics also carries risks. While it may galvanise the Marathi vote, it could deepen divisions in Maharashtra's diverse urban centres, where non-Marathi communities play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. The Thackerays' ability to balance regional pride with broader inclusivity will be critical to their success in the upcoming polls.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Uddhav Thackeray#Mumbai#Maharashtra
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uddhav Thackeray uses 'Pushpa' dialogue to tear into Eknath Shinde over ‘Jai Gujarat' slogan
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday took a jibe at Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde's "Jai Gujarat" slogan, with a dialogue from the "Pushpa" movie. Uddhav said that Shinde had raised the slogan to 'please' his 'boss'. (ShivSena - शिवसेना) At a joint 'victory rally' with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav called Shinde 'gaddar'. 'Gaddar said 'Jai Gujarat' like the actor in the movie Pushpa who says 'jhukega nahi s**la". But this gaddar follows 'uthega nahi s**la"," Uddhav said. He further said Shinde had raised the slogan to 'please' his 'boss'. 'He doesn't have his own thoughts….Is this how he shows respect for Marathi?' Uddhav questioned. Uddhav was sharing stage with Raj Thackeray after nearly two decades, after the cousins joined hands in their protest against the Maharashtra government's three-language formula. The joint rally, called 'Marathicha Awaaz', was organised to celebrate their 'victory' after the state government's decision to roll back the three-language formula making Hindi a mandatory third language in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi- and English-medium schools. Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan at Pune rally kicks off political storm Shinde on Friday raised the 'Jai Gujarat' slogan while concluding his speech at the inauguration of the 'Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre' in Pune's Kondhwa area. Union home minister Amit Shah was also present at the event. Shinde first raised the slogan 'Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra', took a brief pause, and then added 'Jai Gujarat' at the end of his address. Reacting to the slogan, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that it was 'not surprising'. 'Shinde's Sena was born in Gujarat with Shah's blessings,' he added. In a post on X, Raut called the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 'Shah Sena', questioning his place in the Maharashtra cabinet. 'In Pune, this man (Eknath Shinde) gave the slogan 'Jai Gujarat'! What to do? How can this man remain in the Maharashtra cabinet,' Raut said. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came to Shinde's defence, clarifying that the latter was speaking among the Gujarati community. He added that if someone was questioning Shinde's love for Maharashtra because of the slogan, 'then the person is thinking very narrowly'. Citing Sharad Pawar's example, Fadnavis said that the NCP (SP) chief had raised the slogan of 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka' when the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled. 'Does this mean that Sharad Pawar loves Karnataka more than Maharashtra? Wherever we go, we say what the people there like. All leaders say the same,' Fadnavis said. He further asserted that there was 'no need to create ruckus' on the matter, while asserting, "We are all Indians'.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Jai Gujarat' row: Uddhav Thackeray lands 'Pushpa' punch at Eknath Shinde; calls him 'gaddar'
Uddhav Thackeray (left) and Eknath Shinde NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday targeted Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde for raising the "Jai Gujarat" slogan in a rally a day earlier. Addressing a joint rally with Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said, "Gaddar (Eknath Shinde) said 'Jai Gujarat' just like the actor in the movie Pushpa says 'Jhukega nahi s*la'; but this Gaddar follows 'Uthega nahi s*la'. " — ians_india (@ians_india) Doubling down on his criticism of Shinde, Uddhav continued, "He (Shinde) doesn't have his own thoughts. His boss came, so to please him he said 'Jai Gujarat'. Is this how he shows respect for Marathi?" Amid the language row in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde on Friday triggered a new controversy as he raised "Jai Gujarat" slogan in a speech in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah. While concluding his speech, Shinde raised the slogan 'Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra'. After a brief pause, he added 'Jai Gujarat', drawing flak from opposition parties. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) held a joint rally in Mumbai to oppose the alleged imposition of the Hindi language over Maharashtra by the BJP-led state government. In his remarks, Uddhav also alleged that the Centre has pushed Mumbai's important establishments to Gujarat, and these are all attempts to break the "backbone" of Maharashtra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "They always ask us what we did for the Marathi people in Mumbai during our rule in BMC. They all forced Marathi people to go out of Mumbai, but now we are asking a question: in the last 11 years of your rule, what have you done? You have pushed away Mumbai's important establishments to Gujarat. Businesses are being transferred to Gujarat. Big offices are going to Gujarat. The diamond business has already shifted to Gujarat, so you have made all attempts to break the backbone of Maharashtra and continue to do that, and you are asking questions to us", Uddhav Thackeray said. After 20 years, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray came together on a public platform for a victory gathering titled 'Awaj Marathicha', held to mark the withdrawal of two government resolutions that had proposed introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in Maharashtra schools.
