Mumbai, June 30, 2025 :- In a significant development, the much-anticipated joint protest by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, planned for July 5, has been officially cancelled following the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw the contentious three-language policy.
The protest was originally called to oppose the mandatory inclusion of Hindi as a third language in primary schools across the state. Both Thackeray cousins had vocally criticized the policy, calling it a form of linguistic imposition and a direct threat to Marathi cultural identity.
However, in what appears to be a major political climbdown, the government has now reversed its decision. The withdrawal of the policy has been perceived as a tactical victory for both regional parties, especially given the strong public and political momentum their proposed alliance had generated.
This rare moment of unity between two powerful yet estranged political figures had sparked widespread discussion in political circles. Many analysts had interpreted the planned protest as the beginning of a potential thaw in their long-standing rivalry — and possibly, a larger regional consolidation against the ruling BJP-Shinde alliance.
While the protest may be off the streets, the episode has reignited the debate around language politics in Maharashtra and reaffirmed the strength of regional sentiment in shaping state policies.
