The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing a potential shift as estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) respectively, are uniting against what they term the "imposition" of Hindi in the state's schools. This rare convergence has sparked buzz about a possible political reunion after nearly two decades, fueled by rising opposition to the state government's three-language policy.

The controversy stems from the Maharashtra government's decision to implement Hindi as a mandatory third language for primary school students, a move that has been met with strong resistance from various political factions and language activists. Critics argue that this policy places an unnecessary burden on young children and encroaches upon the state's cultural and linguistic identity.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has been instrumental in coordinating the efforts between the two Thackeray factions. Raut announced that there would be a joint protest march on July 5th, where both leaders would participate together. He emphasized that their opposition was not directed at the Hindi language itself but rather its compulsory implementation in primary education. "There is no opposition to Hindi per se, but it is being imposed on young children in schools. That is unacceptable. Language should not be forced, especially in primary education," Raut stated.

Raj Thackeray had initially announced a protest for July 6, which clashed with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a significant religious day in Maharashtra. Subsequently, the date was changed to July 5, reportedly at the suggestion of Uddhav's faction, further fueling speculation about a potential alignment of agendas. Uddhav Thackeray had also extended his party's support to a march organized on July 7 by the Marathi Coordination Committee.

The decision to hold a joint protest has been interpreted as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. With both parties vying for the support of the Marathi-speaking population, a united front against Hindi imposition could consolidate their voter base and strengthen their position in the local body polls.

Uddhav Thackeray has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the state government's decision, likening it to a "language emergency" in Maharashtra. He argued that the government's actions were aimed at disrupting the harmony between Marathi and Hindi-speaking communities for political gain. "To impose Hindi is like declaring a language emergency to bring their autocratic regime to Maharashtra," he stated. He further questioned the constitutional basis and political motivation behind the policy, suggesting it was part of a larger agenda to impose a uniform national identity.

Echoing similar sentiments, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also voiced his support for the Thackeray brothers' stance, stating that Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education. He emphasized the importance of analyzing how many languages a child can realistically learn and the linguistic burden it places on them.

While the state government has defended its decision, stating that there is no plan to mandate Hindi, the opposition remains firm in its stance. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar pointed out that the Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar committee had recommended the three-language formula, including Marathi, English, and Hindi, which was approved by the state cabinet led by Thackeray himself. He accused the opposition of misleading the public for political gain ahead of the municipal elections.

The united march against Hindi imposition marks a significant moment in Maharashtra's political landscape. Whether this convergence will translate into a broader political alliance between the Thackeray cousins remains to be seen. However, it underscores the deep-seated sentiments surrounding language, culture, and regional identity in the state, setting the stage for a potentially volatile political showdown.