Sharing a stage for the first time in two decades, estranged cousins Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday hinted at a political alliance between the two parties and launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state and central governments over the now-withdrawn move to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools.The gathering in Mumbai, positioned as a show of unity for Marathi identity, saw the two cousins taking direct aim at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with Raj remarking, “Fadnavis did what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not—he reunited us”. Uddhav, meanwhile, hinted at an alliance between the two parties, saying, “We have come together now after many years to remain together.”The joint gathering followed the revocation of two Government Resolutions (GRs)—one mandating Hindi for Classes 1 to 5, and another making it optional—which the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS had opposed, calling it an “imposition” of the language on the state.Addressing the gathering, Raj launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led governments in the state and the Centre, saying that the three-language formula was being used as a political tool rather than an educational reform. The BJP, he further said, was testing the waters to see if Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. MNS chief Raj Thackeray addresses a victory rally in Mumbai on Saturday with Shiv Sena (UBT) president and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray by his side. (Express Photo)“They unnecessarily brought the issue of Hindi and tried to impose it upon us. But they witnessed the power of Maharashtra and Marathi people—and that is what forced them to withdraw the GR,” Raj said, in a packed gathering at the NSCI dome in Worli. The BJP may have power in the legislature and Parliament, but the Thackerays have power on the streets, which they have witnessed now, he added.“They were testing the waters with this formula—to see if Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. If they had succeeded in this attempt at Hindi imposition, their next target was separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. Now it has been foiled. Let them try again; there will be a backlash,” Raj said, adding that he had opposed the move through letters to the state and turned down a request for discussion by Agriculture Minister Dada Bhuse. “I told him I will listen, but I will not agree,” he said.“What was the need for Hindi? The three-language formula was only for Centre-state coordination. Even the NEP [National Education Policy] does not mandate it. They experimented in Maharashtra because the southern states do not listen to them,” he said.Story continues below this adRaj questioned the logic behind the push for Hindi in schools. “Which states have Hindi as an official language? In courts, English is used. Why do we need Hindi in Maharashtra?” he asked. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS supporters at the joint Uddhav-Raj Thackeray rally. (Express Photo)“Look at the irony — the Hindi-speaking states are economically backward, and the non-Hindi-speaking states are forward. And these people want us to learn Hindi. Why? For what? I am not against Hindi. But why impose it by attacking the regional language?” Raj further said.The move was politically motivated, and the government’s target is Mumbai, he alleged. “This is not about language. It is about power and control. If the BJP can succeed in weakening Marathi here, they believe they can isolate Mumbai from the state,” he said.Drawing on history, he said, “The Maratha Empire ruled half of the country, including Gujarat and North Indian states. Did we impose Marathi? No. This Hindi is just 200 years old, and still you want us to learn it.”Story continues below this adResponding to criticism from leaders in the BJP and Shinde camps about the Thackerays’ children studying in English-medium schools, Raj said personal education choices do not determine cultural commitment.“Balasaheb Thackeray studied in English medium but never compromised on Marathi issues. Shrikant Thackeray, my grandfather, studied in English. Can you question his commitment to Marathi?” he said, adding, “L K Advani studied in a Christian missionary school. Can anybody question his Hindutva?”Express Opinion | Maharashtra politics has let down Marathi-speaking people“Where you studied and in which language has nothing to do with your commitment to Marathi. It has to come from within,” Raj asserted, accusing the BJP of shifting stance after public pushback. “They were forced to withdraw the GR on the three-language formula. Now they are using diversionary tactics — questioning our children’s schools and the use of English,” he said.Raj concluded his speech with a warning about future political tactics. “This is not the end of the struggle. Be cautious. Now they (the BJP) will try to divide us using caste and religion. Do not fall prey to it. This unity for Marathi should remain intact, and Balasaheb’s dream should be accomplished. In Maharashtra, there will be no compromise on Marathi,” he said.Story continues below this adEchoing Raj’s sentiments and praising him for taking a clear stand, Uddhav said the unity between the two was grounded in ideology. “We (Raj and Uddhav) have come together to stay together,” he said, adding, “This is not just about politics—this is about Marathi.”Uddhav also hit out at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for raising the slogan “Jay Gujarat” during a recent event in Pune attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “He acts like the hero from the movie Pushpa — says ‘Jhukega Nahin Sala (I will not bow down),’ but he has already bowed down to the BJP. Now he says, ‘Uthega Nahin Sala (I will not rise)’,” Uddhav said, adding that leaders from the ruling alliance in Maharashtra have bowed down to the Centre.