Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on the Eknath Shinde-led government, accusing it of undermining the Marathi language and identity by attempting to impose Hindi across the state. Speaking at a press conference ahead of a protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, Raut described the move as a “linguistic emergency” and a direct assault on Maharashtra’s cultural roots.
"We are raising our voice against the government’s decision to force Hindi, which is weakening the identity of Marathi people in the state," Raut declared. "This is not just a protest — it is a fight for the existence and pride of the Marathi language."
He emphasized that Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have come together in defense of the Marathi language, sending a clear message to the ruling alliance that any move to marginalize the state's native tongue will be firmly resisted.
Raut criticized the state government’s alleged decision to make Hindi compulsory, calling it an "injustice" to Marathi speakers. He announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray would address the protest rally at 3 PM today at Azad Maidan, and urged all Marathi-speaking citizens to join the movement. "This is the first phase of a broader people's movement," he said.
Highlighting the upcoming grand march on July 5, Raut said, "We will take to the streets together and wake up the government. This is not a political stunt — it’s a serious issue concerning Maharashtra’s identity." He added that preparations for the protest are in full swing and appealed for mass participation.
In a sharp critique of the Shinde-led administration, Raut remarked, "This government is behaving in a childish manner. The Mindhe group members have joined the ruling side not by choice, but under coercion. They lack maturity and are suppressing the opposition through unfair means."
Emotionally appealing to Marathi citizens, Raut said, "This is a movement for our mother tongue. We have come together to protect it. This is not a symbolic fight — it is a reminder to the current rulers that Maharashtra won’t remain silent."
He ended with a warning to the government: "If the decision to make Hindi compulsory is withdrawn before the march, we will welcome it. Otherwise, be ready — there will be a people's uprising across Maharashtra."