**Thackeray Cousins Unite for Protest Against Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra**
In a significant display of unity, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are set to hold a joint protest in Mumbai on July 5. This decision marks a reconciliation between the two estranged cousins, who had initially planned separate demonstrations against the recent decision by the Devendra Fadnavis government to introduce Hindi as an optional third language for students in Classes 1 to 5.
The protest will commence at Girgaon Chowpatty and proceed to Azad Maidan, with both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray leading the march. The move comes in response to what the Thackeray factions describe as the imposition of Hindi in a predominantly Marathi-speaking state, which they argue threatens the cultural identity of Maharashtra.
Both parties have criticized the government’s initiative, labeling it a “language emergency” and an attempt to undermine the essence of “Marathi-ness.” Uddhav Thackeray emphasized that while he supports the use of Hindi, he opposes its imposition in a region where Marathi is the primary language. He accused the BJP of attempting to create divisions among the populace based on language.
As the protest date approaches, the Thackeray cousins aim to rally support against what they perceive as an encroachment on regional identity and linguistic rights, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding language policy in Maharashtra.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why are Uddhav and Raj Thackeray protesting?**
A: They are protesting against the Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce Hindi as an optional third language in schools, which they view as an imposition that threatens Marathi culture.
