Did Maharashtra govt’s ‘Hindi mandatory’ push bring Uddhav and Raj Thackeray together? Vain dinner meet angers Eknath Shinde?

Speculations are abuzz in Maharashtra that estranged cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, are likely to join hands again as both Maratha leaders have said they are ready to overlook “trivial issues” and work together for “Marathi manoos”. The development is likely the most surprising outcome of the Devendra Fadnavis government’s move to make Hindi mandatory for primary classes.

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, without naming his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj, said in a public meeting that he is ready to join hands with the latter to protect the interests of Marathis. However, the former chief minister had one condition: “Whoever works against the interests of Maharashtra should not be welcomed home”, an apparent reference of to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s recent dinner meet with Raj at the latter’s residence.

 

The development comes after the MNS chief came down heavily against the Mahayuti government for making Hindi mandatory for primary classes. Raj said, “We are Hindus, but not Hindi”. In a recent podcast, the MNS leader, responding to a question on working again with Uddhav Thackeray said, “For a bigger cause, our fights and issues are trivial. Maharashtra is very big. For Maharashtra, the existence of Marathi manoos (native Marathi speakers), these fights are very trivial. I don't think it is a difficult task to come together and stay united. It is not the question of my wish or selfishness. We need to look at the larger picture. All Maharashtrians should form one party.”

 

Responding to his cousin’s comments, Uddhav, during a public event said, “I am also ready to put aside trivial issues and I appeal to everyone to come together for the sake of Marathi manoos." He added, “First decide that whoever works against the interests of Maharashtra will not be welcomed at home, you will not go to their homes and break bread with them. Then talk about the interests of Maharashtra,” PTI reported. Uddhav had also firmly opposed the state government’s move to make Hindi mandatory for classes 1-5.

 

The development comes after Shinde met Raj at the latter’s residence earlier this week. While leaders maintained it was a “casual meeting”, sources in the know of the development said the leaders could have possibly discussed about upcoming civic body polls. On Saturday, while Shinde was inspecting development works in his native village, he reportedly snubbed a reporter who asked him about the cousins uniting again.

India