Latest news with #UddhavThackeray
Scroll.in
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
At the heart of Maharashtra's Marathi push back is a debate over Indian identity
In recent weeks, Maharashtra has found itself at the centre of a growing controversy over the National Education Policy 2020. At the heart of the debate is a clause that reaffirms the ' three-language formula ' in schools: children must learn three languages from the first year of school. Typically, these would be the regional language, English and one additional Indian language. Although the policy formally allows any Indian language to serve as the third, Hindi, especially given its dominant presence in central administration, popular media, and national examinations, tends to fill that role by default. In Maharashtra, the issue returned to the headlines after an order by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government to introduce Hindi as the compulsory third language from classes 1-4 in Marathi and English medium schools. This privileging of Hindi has sparked concerns in non-Hindi-speaking regions and reignited an old debate: is the NEP merely encouraging multilingualism, or is it reinforcing a creeping centralisation under a 'Hindi-Indian' identity? The dominant regional language of Maharashtra, Marathi, is closely tied to the state's cultural and political identity. The move to introduce Hindi as the mandatory third language by the government was immediately cast by the opposition Shiv Sena faction led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray as an attempted imposition of a linguistic-cultural hierarchy by the Centre and a needless burden on young students. Language has long been a fault line in Mumbai politics. The Shiv Sena, a party originally formed to champion Marathi interests, rose to prominence by demanding job quotas and cultural primacy for local speakers in the 1960s and 70s. Although it later adopted a broader Hindu nationalist agenda, its linguistic roots continue to shape Maharashtra's political landscape. Looming elections The debate is especially charged in light of the upcoming, long-overdue municipal elections in Mumbai. The term of the elected corporators ended in March 2022, after which the civic body has been run by an unelected administrator. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which governs India's wealthiest civic body, is a high-stakes prize. Control over the BMC means influence over infrastructure, education, and symbolic aspects of urban life such as language on public signage and in school curricula. Opposition parties, including factions of the Shiv Sena and regional allies, have seized on the NEP as evidence of the nationally dominant BJP's insensitivity to Maharashtra's linguistic and cultural identity. The BJP thus finds itself walking a tightrope. As the national architect of the NEP and the main proponent of Hindi as a unifying national language, the party is under pressure to defend its policy. Yet in Maharashtra, it risks alienating regional allies and voters if it appears to be undermining Marathi. Recent statements from BJP leaders suggest a softening of tone, offering reassurances of consultation and phased implementation. Whether this reflects genuine reconsideration or electoral strategy remains to be seen. Beyond the corridors of government, the three-language policy has stirred tensions at the grassroots. Parties from the fringes of electoral politics like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, an offshoot of the Shiv Sena, have revived their campaign against Hindi-speaking migrants, particularly from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Their tactics – ranging from vandalising non-Marathi signage to public calls, under threat of violence, for linguistic loyalty – have drawn criticism but also found resonance among some voters who feel culturally sidelined. Southern concerns The implications extend beyond Maharashtra. Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, have long resisted the imposition of Hindi. In the 1960s, anti-Hindi agitations in the state evolved into a powerful movement for Dravidian identity and regional autonomy. Tamil Nadu has since maintained a two-language policy: Tamil and English. This defiance is not merely about language; it is a broader stand against the perceived cultural and political centralisation from New Delhi. States such as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have adopted more flexible approaches, but they too resist the notion that Hindi should become the de facto national language. Their concern is that a truly multilingual India must operate on the principle of symmetry: no region should be expected to accommodate others without reciprocity. At the core of this resistance is a sense that Hindi's growing dominance – fostered by media, government policy, and migration of Hindi-speakers to other parts of the country – is less the result of organic cultural exchange and more a product of institutional power. Critics argue that the NEP's language policy, while cloaked in the language of inclusion, reinforces existing hierarchies rather than dismantling them. The debate is unfolding against the backdrop of broader demographic and political shifts. After 2026, parliamentary representation in India is expected to be redrawn based on population. Southern states, which have successfully curbed population growth and achieved stronger human development indicators, could lose seats in Parliament while populous and economically weaker northern states gain seats. This risks deepening feelings of marginalisation, turning language and education into flashpoints for larger questions of federalism and fairness. Language vs dialect Interestingly, even within the so-called Hindi heartland, the notion of a unified linguistic identity is tenuous. The Census of India, 2011 (the latest available) recorded more than 50 'mother tongues ' under the heading of Hindi. This includes Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Magahi and Brajbhasha, all of which have ancient and vibrant literary traditions and significant speaker bases. Yet, they are accorded the status of dialects rather than languages and folded into the generic category of 'Hindi' along with Haryanvi, Rajasthani, Garhwali and Kangri, among others. If Maharashtra and the southern states succeed in defending regional languages, it may inspire similar assertions in the North demanding formal recognition for these often-overlooked tongues. Such movements could challenge the notion of Hindi as India's unifying linguistic thread. Its current dominance is partly the result of its administrative status and cultural projection, not necessarily broad consensus. The resurgence of linguistic identities across India could upend the assumption that a single language can bind a country as diverse as India. Ultimately, the Maharashtra language row underscores that India's celebrated linguistic diversity is also under constant negotiation. The three-language formula, once intended to bridge divides, now reveals them. Maharashtra's resistance is part of a wider conversation about how India defines unity: through imposed sameness or sustained plurality. As more states reconsider their place within the federal system, language could become both a tool for political mobilisation and a test of the Indian republic's democratic character.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Only one Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray after cousin Raj's Matoshree visit on birthday
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday thanked everyone who sent him birthday wishes. He said there is only one Shiv Sena and not two. He also thanked Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray for visiting him at his residence, Matoshri, and giving him birthday wishes."Thank you all for the wishes. I truly appreciate them. Raj visited and wished me on my birthday, it means a lot to me. His visit has more than doubled my happiness. There is only one Shiv Sena. There are not two Shiv Senas. Raj Thackeray visited and paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray. After a very long time, Raj came here and wished me on my birthday. It really means a lot to me", Uddhav Thackeray told reporters. advertisementEarlier in the day, Raj Thackeray met Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree and gave him birthday greetings. Shiv Sena (UBT) shared the meeting visuals on social media platform X and said, "Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Rajsaheb Thackeray extended birthday greetings to party chief Uddhavsaheb Thackeray." While Raj had last formally visited Matoshree in 2012 during the final days of Balasaheb Thackeray, he had made a brief visit in January 2019 to invite Uddhav and his family to his son Amit Thackeray's visit comes after both Thackeray leaders appeared together at a joint rally on July 5. At the 'Awaz Marathicha' rally in Mumbai's Worli Dome, they opposed the Maharashtra government's earlier move to introduce Hindi as a third language. During the rally, the two shared a hug after the state government withdrew two related MP Rahul Gandhi also posted birthday wishes on X. He said Uddhav Thackeray is an important partner of the INDIA alliance and wished him good health and strength to fight for the rights of Maharashtra's people."Heartfelt birthday wishes and congratulations to Shiv Sena President and INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray ji. May you stay healthy, live long, and together we will fight for the interests and rights of the people of Maharashtra,' the Leader of Opposition wrote on X. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and INDIA bloc ally MK Stalin also sent birthday greetings. Stalin praised Uddhav Thackeray's stand against the Hindi imposition in Maharashtra and wished him continued strength to protect federalism and linguistic Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also took to X and wrote, "Shiv Sena chief, my friend Uddhav Thackeray, who stands firm like a lighthouse in every storm, heartfelt birthday wishes to you! Jai Maharashtra!"- Ends IN THIS STORY#Maharashtra
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No one can separate Mumbai from the Thackeray brand: Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey hails Uddhav-Raj meetup
Following Raj Thackeray's visit to Uddhav Thackeray on his 65th birthday, Shiv Sena UBT leader Anand Dubey emphasized the enduring connection between Mumbai and the Thackeray name, while subtly criticizing Eknath Shinde's faction. The meeting occurred after the Thackeray brothers' joint rally against the imposition of Hindi, where they celebrated a victory. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: Shiv Sena UBT leader Anand Dubey on Sunday expressed happiness after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray met Uddhav Thackeray at his residence on his 65th Dubey said that no one can "separate" Mumbai from the "Thackeray" brand. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also took an indirect dig at Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde , referring to the 2022 Shiv Sena split."They can steal anything, but they cannot steal people. The people are continuously coming here. Everyone is saying that we are with Thackeray Sahab. No one can separate Mumbai from the Thackeray Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers, so they will definitely meet with each other...", he earlier on Sunday, Raj Thackeray met Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence, Matoshree, on Sunday and extended birthday the visuals, Shiv Sena (UBT) wrote on X, "Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Rajsaheb Thackeray extended birthday greetings to party chief Uddhavsaheb Thackeray."This meeting follows the Thackeray brothers' joint rally on July 5, in which they declared their victory against the alleged imposition of Hindi by the Maharashtra shared a hug at the Worli Dome in Mumbai at their 'Awaz Marathicha' joint rally after the Maharashtra government scrapped two Government Resolutions (GRs) to introduce Hindi as the third as Uddhav Thackeray turned 65 today, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi extended wishes and wrote on X, "Heartfelt birthday wishes and congratulations to Shiv Sena President and INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray ji. May you stay healthy, live long, and together we will fight for the interests and rights of the people of Maharashtra."
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Raj Thackeray visits Uddhav on birthday, sparks political speculation
Mumbai, July 27 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Shiv Sena (UBT) president and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matushree' today to greet him on his 65th birthday, igniting fresh speculation across the state's political circles. The meeting is seen as the leaders' first direct engagement in a significant period. Raj Thackeray arrived at Matushree accompanied by senior MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai. He was welcomed by prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) figures Sanjay Raut and Ambadas Danve. Uddhav Thackeray personally came to the door to embrace Raj, an act widely interpreted as signaling a potential new chapter in both their personal rapport and political dynamics. This visit gains added significance following the two leaders' recent joint appearance on a platform addressing issues concerning the Marathi language and community. The meeting occurred as Shiv Sena (UBT) workers statewide enthusiastically celebrated Uddhav Thackeray's birthday, with Raj Thackeray's surprise presence lending an extraordinary dimension to the festivities. Alongside Raj Thackeray, leaders from various political parties extended birthday wishes to Uddhav Thackeray, including Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut and BJP Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. UNI AAA SSP
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'We will do it together': Rahul Gandhi greets Uddhav Thackeray on INDIA bloc ally's birthday; vows to 'protect' Maharashtra's rights
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday extended birthday greetings to Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray, who turned 65. In a post on X, He wished the Maharashtra ex-chief minister a "long and healthy life" and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the "interests and rights" of the people of the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Both leaders are key allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — an alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) in Maharashtra. At the national level, these parties are also members of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties. "Warm wishes and congratulations to Shiv Sena President and INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray ji on his birthday," the Lok Sabha leader of opposition said in a post in Hindi on X. Rahul Gandhi X post "May you stay healthy, live long, and we will fight together for the interests and rights of the people of Maharashtra," he added. Gandhi's message comes at a time when as Thackeray to the latter's estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. The Congress MP has also that the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition's big win in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections was due to 'electoral fraud' — a claim firmly denied by the Election Commission.
