Preparations are in full swing for a joint rally by Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Mumbai’s Worli, following the Maharashtra government’s decision to revoke two government resolutions (GRs) mandating Hindi as a third language in schools.
MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande hailed the moment as a “historic victory” for Marathi-speaking people. “Marathi people across Maharashtra are celebrating July 5 as Victory Day. This rally is not political—it’s about defending our language and identity,” he said.
The government had earlier passed resolutions on April 16 and June 17, implementing a three-language policy requiring students from Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools to learn Hindi as a mandatory third language. The move triggered backlash from regional parties and civil society groups, eventually leading to its rollback.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a committee would be set up to reconsider the language policy. He, however, issued a stern warning against “language-based hooliganism” amid rising tensions over the issue.
“It is not wrong to take pride in Marathi. But if anyone attacks others over language, we will take strict legal action,” Fadnavis said, addressing recent incidents including a viral video showing alleged MNS workers assaulting a shopkeeper in Mira-Bhayandar for not speaking Marathi.
Criticizing the hypocrisy of targeting Hindi while embracing English, Fadnavis added, “We must not allow injustice to any Indian language. This divisive mindset will not be tolerated.”
The joint rally by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS is seen as a rare show of unity between two regional powerhouses, underscoring the emotional and political weight of the Marathi language debate in Maharashtra.