The toxic politics of language has once again taken center stage in Maharashtra because of the desperation of fading political dynasties. MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray have launched aggressive, divisive tirades in the name of “Marathi pride,” but it’s clear their true aim is political survival. From threats of violence to invoking regional hatred, these leaders are attempting to revive relevance by stoking linguistic animosities. The real tragedy? The ordinary Marathi-speaking public, who deserve development and unity, are being dragged into a dangerous narrative meant only to resuscitate the dying political careers of the Thackerays.
Raj Thackeray’s Threat: Political Theatre, Not Leadership
In an appalling display of regional chauvinism, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray responded to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s statement with a threat that bordered on incitement to violence. (Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge),” meaning “Come to Mumbai, and we’ll drown you in the sea,” Thackeray warned, as though the city were his personal fiefdom. Such remarks are not just irresponsible—they are dangerous. They reflect a political leader scrambling for attention in an era where his party has lost electoral significance. Rather than focusing on pressing issues like jobs, inflation, or infrastructure, Raj has chosen the well-worn, divisive path of language politics, one that pits communities against each other for personal political gain.
Uddhav Joins the Circus: The ‘Marathi Asmita’ Gimmick
Uddhav Thackeray, once the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has now joined his estranged cousin Raj in stirring a Marathi versus Hindi controversy. Their recent joint appearance at a rally in Mumbai was less about defending the Marathi language and more about desperately reclaiming lost political ground. Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT), which broke off from the original Shiv Sena and aligned with Congress and NCP, has seen a steady erosion of its base. With the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena dominating state politics, Uddhav seems to have adopted the same old divisive tactics that once made Bal Thackeray popular—but with far less credibility and even less support.
Beating Up Shopkeepers: MNS’s Goonda Politics Returns
In a shocking episode that underscores the violent tendencies of MNS cadres, activists recently assaulted a sweet shop owner and others in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for not speaking in Marathi. This is not cultural pride—it’s thuggery masquerading as identity politics. Instead of condemning the violence, Raj Thackeray has chosen to embolden it by delivering fiery speeches laced with aggression. His message is clear: instill fear, create an ‘us vs them’ narrative, and pretend it’s about preserving culture. What he’s really doing is reviving his party’s long-dead brand of street-level intimidation, in hopes of reviving a shrinking voter base that has already moved on.
The GR Controversy: Manufactured Outrage Over Language
The spark for this entire episode was the state government’s now-rolled-back Government Resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy and the introduction of Hindi from Class I in schools. While the BJP-led Maharashtra government attempted to introduce Hindi as a third language, it never proposed replacing Marathi or diluting its importance. Yet, Uddhav and Raj turned this administrative decision into an existential crisis, as if the state’s identity was under threat. The duo’s agitation is not grounded in fact but in fabricated fear, weaponizing linguistic sentiments for narrow political objectives. Their protests, rallies, and angry speeches are not defending Marathi—they are exploiting it.
Identity Politics Won’t Revive Dead Careers
Raj and Uddhav Thackeray’s recent theatrics make one thing crystal clear—they are out of ideas and running out of time. Their core vote banks are collapsing, and their influence on Maharashtra’s future is minimal at best. Instead of evolving with the aspirations of modern Marathi youth, who seek opportunity and progress, the Thackerays are clinging to the past, recycling old grievances in hopes of political resurrection. But Maharashtra has changed. It demands unity, not division; development, not drama. And these outdated language warriors may soon find that their strategy of fear-mongering has no place in a state that’s marching forward.