Neither Hindi nor Marathi, Uddhav & Raj just love family: BJP
In a recent development, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray joined hands to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s rollback of the three-language policy. The joint rally was seen as a significant move by the two leaders, who have been known for their strong regional sentiments. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the move, claiming that the two leaders have come together “due to political compulsion”.
Gaurav Vallabh, a BJP leader, recently made a statement that has been making headlines. Speaking to the media, he said, “Stop hiding behind Hindi and Marathi. You neither love Marathi nor Hindi, you just love your family.” The statement is a direct attack on the Thackeray brothers, implying that their union is not based on a genuine love for the languages of Maharashtra, but rather a desire to protect their own family interests.
The three-language policy, which was introduced by the Maharashtra government, aimed to make Hindi, Marathi, and English compulsory subjects in schools. However, the move was met with widespread opposition from various sections of society, including students, teachers, and politicians. The policy was eventually rolled back, and the government announced that it would review the curriculum to make it more inclusive and relevant to the state’s diverse population.
The joint rally by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray was seen as a victory for the Marathi language and culture, with the two leaders claiming that the rollback of the policy was a major achievement for the people of Maharashtra. However, the BJP has dismissed the move, saying that it is a desperate attempt by the Thackeray brothers to remain relevant in the political landscape.
The BJP’s criticism of the Thackeray brothers is not entirely unfounded. Uddhav Thackeray, who has been a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics for decades, has often been criticized for his divisive rhetoric and his attempts to promote Marathi chauvinism. Raj Thackeray, on the other hand, has been known for his aggressive and sometimes violent methods to promote his political agenda.
Despite their differences, the two leaders have found common ground in their opposition to the three-language policy. However, the BJP’s criticism of their union is a reminder that the Thackeray brothers are not above criticism, and that their actions should be scrutinized and held accountable.
The BJP’s statement is also reflective of the party’s larger strategy to undermine the Thackeray brothers’ influence in Maharashtra politics. The party has been trying to gain traction in the state, particularly after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when it won a significant number of seats. The BJP’s criticism of the Thackeray brothers is an attempt to portray itself as a more inclusive and progressive party, and to distance itself from the Thackeray brothers’ reputation for being divisive and aggressive.
In conclusion, the joint rally by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray may have been seen as a victory for the Marathi language and culture, but the BJP’s criticism of the move highlights the complexities of Maharashtra politics. While the Thackeray brothers have found common ground in their opposition to the three-language policy, their union is not without controversy, and the BJP’s criticism of their actions is a reminder that even the most prominent politicians are not above scrutiny.
