Marathi Language Row in Maharashtra: A Divide-and-Rule Plank That Unites Uddhav & Raj, Rattles BJP Amid Fears of Losing Marathi Asmita Votebank

The Marathi language row in Maharashtra has reignited political tensions, communal anxieties, and regional identity issues — all against the backdrop of the upcoming BMC elections and a sensitive linguistic landscape.

The row started after a shocking incident in Bhayander, Thane, where a food stall owner was beaten by activists allegedly linked to the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for not speaking in Marathi. A video of the attack went viral, showing the accused, wearing MNS scarves, confronted the vendor and slapped him after he responded in Hindi. The FIR, registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, mentioned ''unidentified persons'', and despite the viral video, the accused were released on bail within hours since the charges were non-cognizable.

MNS workers have also been putting pressure on businesses and banks to use Marathi in signage and transactions. The controversy escalated further when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Rajan Vichare was caught on video reprimanding and physically intimidating traders in Thane for not using Marathi. He reportedly made them touch feet in apology. These acts of vigilantism are part of a larger campaign to assert Marathi identity in urban spaces, especially in Mumbai and Thane, where linguistic diversity is high.

Why This Sudden Maratha Language Controversy?

The political backdrop to this row lies in the state government's move to implement a three-language policy. A Government Resolution (GR) issued on April 16 mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language for classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. This sparked criticism from Opposition parties — Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP) — who called it an attempt to ''impose Hindi'' in Maharashtra. Protests were announced, and facing backlash, the Fadnavis-led state cabinet withdrew the GR and appointed a committee headed by Dr Narendra Jadhav to study the policy afresh.

How Maratha Controversy Brought Brothers Together?

In a dramatic political turn, the language controversy has brought together estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray after two decades. They held a joint rally, Awaj Marathicha (Voice of the Marathi), in Mumbai's Worli to celebrate what they called a ''victory'' over the government's rollback of the Hindi policy. The rally symbolized a potential alliance and revived their shared appeal to the ''Marathi manoos'' which is crucial ahead of the 2025 BMC elections.

In the rally, Uddhav accused the BJP of destroying Maharashtra's economic base by shifting key projects and businesses to Gujarat. ''They used us, and now they question our work for Marathi people,'' he asked. Raj Thackeray, while condemning violence, remarked, ''If someone shows drama, hit below their eardrums... but don’t record videos.'' He also defended his children's English-medium education, saying one's commitment to Marathi cannot be questioned based on language of instruction.

How Did CM Devendra Fadnavis React?

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded strongly, condemning violence in the name of Marathi pride. He said Marathi must be respected, but hooliganism will not be tolerated. ''Some embrace English but create issues over Hindi. This kind of hypocrisy will not be accepted,'' he said, warning of strict legal action in future incidents.

His statement was seen as a reaction to the incident in which seven workers of the MNS assaulted a 48-year-old shopkeeper in Mira Road near Mumbai after he and his staff member spoke to them in Hindi. The 'Jodhpur Sweet Shop' owner was then warned that he would not be allowed to do business in the area. This happened when he had told the MNS workers that all languages are spoken in the Maharashtra. Following this the workers began slapping him. 

Meanwhile, BJP minister Nitesh Rane escalated the controversy by turning it communal. Nitesh Rane asserted that only Hindus were being targeted for not speaking Marathi, Rane asked if lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Aamir Khan could speak Marathi. ''Do Javed Akhtar and Aamir Khan speak in Marathi? Why beat up a poor Hindu?'' Rane questioned as he addressed the media over the issue.

Comparing the Thackeray cousins' rally to ''jihadi and anti-Hindu'' gatherings, he claimed the event aimed to divide Hindus and weaken the state. He said, ''We are Hindus and proud Marathis. But what these two are doing is like the PFI and SIMI — trying to break society.'' Rane also said the rally would lead to celebrations in Muslim-dominated areas, drawing outrage.

He didn’t stop there. Following the Mira Road incident, Rane declared that any insult to Marathi was an ''attack on Hindutva'' and warned that the government would respond accordingly. ''We will open the third eye of our government,'' he said — a veiled threat criticized as fanning communal and regional tensions.

What Sushil Kedia Got Embroiled In Maratha Asmita Row?

Prominent entrepreneur and investment analyst Sushil Kedia had earlier posted a strong reaction against the party's actions during the Marathi language row, stating that he would not learn Marathi as a protest against the ''gross misconduct'' of Raj Thackeray. ''I don’t know Marathi properly even after living for 30 years in Mumbai & with your gross misconduct I have made it a resolve that until such people as you are allowed to pretend to be taking care of Marathi Manus I take pratigya I won't learn Marathi,'' Kedia posted on X. Following this, he approached the police for protection after receiving threats.

Soon after his post, unidentified persons vandalised Kedia's office in Worli, Mumbai. Police officials said the attackers threw stones and raised slogans in support of Marathi and Raj Thackeray. The incident came amid increased tensions after MNS workers were seen targeting non-Marathi speakers, and Kedia’s criticism of the party's stance led to swift retaliation from party supporters.

Later, Sushil Kedia withdrew his remarks, saying his tweet was made in a wrong state of mind under stress and was being misinterpreted. He posted, ''Having come under pressure from the violence inflicted on those who do not know Marathi, I ended up overreacting. I must take back my reactions and withdraw.'' MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande responded sharply, saying, ''Do business if you're a businessman; don't try to act like our father… If you insult Marathi in Maharashtra, you'll get a slap on the ear, otherwise, stay in your lane, Mehta or whoever.''

Maratha Maratha Language Row & Future of Uddhav-Raj Duo

The Marathi language row tremors are expected to echo loudly in the 2025 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as it a prestige battle for all major parties. The joint platform of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has rekindled their original Shiv Sena ethos, reviving a sharp ''Marathi manoos'' narrative that once formed the bedrock of their political success. For BJP and its allies, the fear of losing the core Marathi vote bank is real — especially in Mumbai-Thane belt, where demographic shifts and language identity remain electorally potent.

This temporary coming together of the Thackeray cousins could emerge as a game-changer if it evolves into a sustained alliance. For Uddhav, it signals a reclamation of his father's Marathi-centric legacy, while for Raj, it's a shot at political revival after years of stagnation. If they sustain the momentum, the BJP's dominance in Mumbai's municipal and urban politics may face its most serious challenge in years.