Latest news with #non-Marathis
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Uddhav Thackerey, Cousin Raj's Growing Proximity Unnerves Congress
Mumbai: The growing proximity between Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray has caused considerable unease within the Congress, sparking a fresh round of speculation over the future of Maharashtra's primary opposition alliance, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The central question now is whether Uddhav Thackeray can remain a part of the MVA if he forges an alliance with Raj Thackeray, which the Congress finds unacceptable. On Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray stated that he and Raj were capable of deciding on an alliance and that no third party's intervention was needed. This declaration has put Congress in an awkward position. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are the two principal partners in the MVA. An alliance between the Thackeray cousins would make Uddhav's continuation in the MVA highly improbable. The Congress's primary objection stems from the recent stance of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) against non-Marathis. In recent months, MNS workers have assaulted individuals for not speaking Marathi and engaged in violent protests. The MNS also has a history of violence against North Indians. The Congress fears that an alliance with the MNS would alienate its non-Marathi voters, leading to a significant backlash. Another possibility is that Uddhav Thackeray may exit the MVA altogether. Formed in 2019, the MVA brought together the undivided Shiv Sena, undivided NCP, and Congress. An MVA without Uddhav's faction would face a critical crisis of existence, especially given the weakened state of Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) following the 2023 rebellion. Adding to the instability are recent rumors of a potential reunion between Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Ajit Pawar. A third scenario is that no political alliance materializes between the two Thackeray cousins. On July 5, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a public stage in Worli, Mumbai, for the first time in 20 years. While Uddhav Thackeray suggested they would continue to be together, Raj Thackeray clarified a few days later to his party workers that their joint appearance was solely on the issue of Hindi opposition and should not be seen as a decision on a political alliance. Some political observers fear that seat-sharing negotiations just before the elections could lead to another fallout between the brothers, preventing any coalition. Others view the entire episode as a political game orchestrated by the BJP from behind the scenes. Local body elections are scheduled to be held in Maharashtra within the next three months. While uncertainty plagues the MVA, the ruling Mahayuti alliance has decided that its constituent parties will contest most of the municipal corporation elections together, signaling a clear united front.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Naxals should embrace Ambedkarvad, says Athawale
Kolhapur: Union minister of social justice Ramdas Athawale , while speaking in Kolhapur on Tuesday, urged all naxals to renounce violence and embrace "Ambedkarvad" — the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Athawale, who is also the president of the Republican Party of India (RPI), clarified that the Jan Suraksha Act, passed by the state legislature, is not intended to suppress democratic movements. "Instead its target is violent and undemocratic movements like naxalism. Simply expressing dissent through writing or speaking against the govt would not lead to action under this Act," he said. "The method of naxals is to backstab. We were never called naxals when we hit the streets. The way naxals carry out their movement is totally wrong. The govt should not interpret Ambedkarites as naxalites. We are different in ideology and means," he added. On being asked about the likelihood of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray coming together for the Mumbai municipal election, Athawale said, "Now, there are 60% non-Marathis in Mumbai, and they are against Raj. Both Thackerays will get votes only from Marathi people. We will easily defeat them in the election."
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Uddhav hits out at CM over ‘rudali' comment, calls him ‘perverted and mean-spirited'
Mumbai: Hitting back at CM Devendra Fadnavis for his comment that the Thackeray cousins' 'reunion' rally was a "rudali" (professional women mourners) act and not a "victory celebration", Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the "original BJP " was "dead" and that "those who feel sad about the happy moments of Marathi people are very perverted and mean-spirited." Uddhav also clarified that he was not against any language but was against Hindi compulsion or the imposition of any language. "If they want to have three languages, they must tell us what third language will be taught in Uttar Pradesh," he said. "I can understand their (BJP) mentality because the original BJP is dead. It was murdered by these people. 'Rudali' is also a Hindi word. They have taken help from our party, Congress, NCP, and parties across the country to get people to express sorrow because the original BJP is dead," Uddhav said while speaking at Vidhan Bhavan. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He also hit out at BJP minister Ashish Shelar, who compared the terrorists in Pahalgam to those assaulting non-Marathis in Mumbai. "We Shiv Sainiks are helping people without looking at caste or religion. Those who are comparing Marathi people with the terrorists of Pahalgam are the real killers of Marathi. They cannot even save Hindus; they are taking sides with those who do injustice to Marathi. If any BJP member is comparing a Marathi person who agitates for rights with the terrorists of Pahalgam, they are the killers of Marathi. So did the terrorists of Pahalgam join the BJP? They should tell us. Where did they go? Are they living in the houses of those who accused us? It is the misfortune of Maharashtra that such incompetent people are ruling in Maharashtra," he said. Uddhav also held a meeting of Sena (UBT) legislators in Vidhan Bhavan and asked them to remind assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar about the appointment of the leader of ppposition (LoP) in the assembly. The Sena (UBT) will give a reminder letter to Narwekar on Tuesday asking him to make a decision on appointing an LoP. Narwekar has said they are studying the rules and examining if the LoP's post can be given if a party has less than 10% MLAs. After the budget session, this is the second session of the new Mahayuti govt without an LoP in the assembly. Uddhav hits out at CM over 'rudali' comment, calls him 'perverted and mean-spirited' Chaitanya Marpakwar Mumbai: Hitting back at CM Devendra Fadnavis for his comment that the Thackeray cousins' 'reunion' rally was a "rudali" (professional women mourners) act and not a "victory celebration", Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the "original BJP" was "dead" and that "those who feel sad about the happy moments of Marathi people are very perverted and mean-spirited." Uddhav also clarified that he was not against any language but was against Hindi compulsion or the imposition of any language. "If they want to have three languages, they must tell us what third language will be taught in Uttar Pradesh," he said. "I can understand their (BJP) mentality because the original BJP is dead. It was murdered by these people. 'Rudali' is also a Hindi word. They have taken help from our party, Congress, NCP, and parties across the country to get people to express sorrow because the original BJP is dead," Uddhav said while speaking at Vidhan Bhavan. He also hit out at BJP minister Ashish Shelar, who compared the terrorists in Pahalgam to those assaulting non-Marathis in Mumbai. "We Shiv Sainiks are helping people without looking at caste or religion. Those who are comparing Marathi people with the terrorists of Pahalgam are the real killers of Marathi. They cannot even save Hindus; they are taking sides with those who do injustice to Marathi. If any BJP member is comparing a Marathi person who agitates for rights with the terrorists of Pahalgam, they are the killers of Marathi. So did the terrorists of Pahalgam join the BJP? They should tell us. Where did they go? Are they living in the houses of those who accused us? It is the misfortune of Maharashtra that such incompetent people are ruling in Maharashtra," he said. Uddhav also held a meeting of Sena (UBT) legislators in Vidhan Bhavan and asked them to remind assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar about the appointment of the leader of ppposition (LoP) in the assembly. The Sena (UBT) will give a reminder letter to Narwekar on Tuesday asking him to make a decision on appointing an LoP. Narwekar has said they are studying the rules and examining if the LoP's post can be given if a party has less than 10% MLAs. After the budget session, this is the second session of the new Mahayuti govt without an LoP in the assembly.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shelar invokes Pahalgam: ‘Here, Hindus attacked over language'
Mumbai: Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said action is being taken against those indulging in physical violence over the three-language policy. In the Mira Road incident, where a local businessman was recently slapped by MNS workers and in the Sushil Kedia case, police were quick to file an FIR and arrest MNS workers accused of physical assault and violence. CM Fadnavis holds the home portfolio. Shelar, while criticising the Thackeray cousins, linked the Pahalgam terror attack to the assault on non-Marathis. He said, "In Pahalgam, people were shot based on their religion—Hindus were targeted. Here, innocent Hindus are being beaten up after being questioned about their language," he said. tnn
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'If Marathi or Maharashtra is insulted ... ': Aaditya Thackeray issues 'things can escalate' warning; language row heats up
NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday issued a strong warning in the midst of a deepening language row in Maharashtra, saying any insult to Marathi or the state will not be tolerated. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's comments come just hours after a controversial assault on a sweet shop owner in Mira Road, allegedly carried out by men affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), for refusing to speak in Marathi. 'We want that our mother tongue Marathi is not insulted and no language is forcefully imposed,' Thackeray said in Mumbai. 'We don't want anybody to take the law into their hands, but when it is the other way round and Marathi or Maharashtra is insulted, things can escalate...' The warning follows a viral video showing shop owner Babulal Khimji Chaudhary being attacked after his staff responded in Hindi to a group of men. The accused reportedly objected to this and demanded that Marathi be spoken. When Chaudhary explained that his workers were from other states, the situation worsened. Also read: 'Speak Marathi in Maharashtra,' says Minister after shopkeeper thrashed in Thane He told police that the men became aggressive when he responded that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra. An FIR has been registered against seven unidentified individuals. While the MNS has not denied the involvement of its workers, it has justified the incident by accusing the shop owner of arrogance. 'The owner was arrogant and said that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra. This triggered the argument,' an MNS office-bearer said, adding that their party members were celebrating the state government's withdrawal of a controversial language policy when the altercation occurred. T he political backdrop to this row is the recent decision by the Maharashtra government to cancel a plan that would have made Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools. The move had sparked backlash from opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP), who accused the government of trying to impose Hindi on Marathi students. Following pressure, the government rolled back the resolution. Uddhav Thackeray praised the rollback as a victory for the "Marathi manoos" and urged that Marathi be developed as a language of global knowledge. He accused the government of attempting to create divisions between Marathis and non-Marathis.
