Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI): Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are set to join forces for the cause of the Marathi language, as their respective parties plan a joint protest against the perceived imposition of Hindi and the state government's three-language formula for Classes 1-5. The protest, scheduled for July 5, will see Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray sharing the same platform. Both leaders, in separate press conferences on Thursday, expressed strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi and the three-language formula. Uddhav announced his participation in a civil society protest at Azad Maidan on July 7, while Raj declared his intention to lead a non-political march from Girgaum Chowpatty on July 6, inviting leaders from all political factions, including Shiv Sena (UBT). Speaking to reporters on Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that Raj invited him to join the protest on July 6. Uddhav reportedly agreed to participate but highlighted the clash with Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations across the state on the same day, suggesting it might not be convenient for everyone. Consequently, Raut mentioned that the Sena (UBT) chief proposed a joint protest on July 5, which Raj accepted. "A joint protest by MNS and Sena (UBT) will take place on July 5," Raut confirmed. However, there remains a discussion regarding the timing, as Raj Thackeray suggested starting at 10 am, which was noted as potentially inconvenient for attendees. The development has fueled speculation about a possible reconciliation between the Thackeray cousins, with the language issue serving as a pivotal point for a united front. Raut emphasized that both cousins believe there should be a movement akin to the Samyukt Maharashtra movement of 1960 and that the Thackerays should spearhead it. He added, "Similar actions are now being attempted to fragment Mumbai and displace the Marathi manoos from Maharashtra." Raut mentioned that other political parties would also be invited to participate in the protest. MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande said, "As a Marathi manoos, I am heartened by Raj saheb's leadership for the Marathi cause and Uddhav saheb's appreciation of it." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Hindi is optional, with Marathi being mandatory. The controversy erupted after the state government recently issued an amended order indicating that Hindi would "generally" be the third language taught in Marathi and English medium schools for Classes 1 to 5. According to the order, if 20 students per grade in any school wish to study a different Indian language, they may opt out of Hindi. In such cases, either a teacher will be appointed, or online teaching will be arranged. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse disclosed that there will be no textbooks for Classes 1 and 2, and instruction will be oral, using songs and pictures for teaching.
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