Sunil Tatkare on Thackeray Brother March: Will NCP Join Thackeray Brothers' March? Ajit Pawar Group's Clear Stand

As the July 5 anti-Hindi compulsion march, led by the Thackeray brothers, approaches, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has clarified its stance. Maharashtra NCP President Sunil Tatkare stated that while the party supports the right to protest, it will not participate in the upcoming rally.

Speaking to the media, Tatkare emphasized that the march should not be viewed through a political lens. “The march being held on July 5 is not something I see as a political event. In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views. The opposition parties are organizing this rally, and hence no NCP leader will take part in it,” he stated.

Tatkare reiterated the party’s position on the language issue, saying, “Our stand has been clear from the beginning — Hindi should not be made compulsory from the first grade. It should be introduced optionally from the fifth grade onwards. On this matter, we, like many others, are aligned.”

He further clarified that the NCP does not anticipate any significant political fallout or polarization due to the march. “I don’t believe there will be any political upheaval because of this. The state government will take the appropriate decision in due time. As a responsible political party, we will present our views to the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers,” he added. The July 5 march has been organized to protest the alleged imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra's primary education system. It is being supported by several opposition parties and pro-Marathi organizations.