Saamana Editorial Reacts to Raj Thackeray–Uddhav Thackeray 'Vijayi Melava'
As Maharashtra braces for a grand joint rally led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray at Worli Dome today, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana has published a powerful and emotional editorial, portraying the event as a landmark in the assertion of Marathi identity. The editorial speaks to the deep-rooted sentiment of cultural pride and resistance against linguistic imposition, following the state government’s decision to revoke the controversial GRs mandating compulsory Hindi.
In response to the policy rollback, Uddhav Thackeray announced a "Victory Rally" to be held on July 5, which has since become the focal point of political discourse. The rally marks an extraordinary moment where the two Thackeray cousins—leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), respectively—will share the same stage. Banners celebrating their unity now adorn the streets of Mumbai, signaling a rare show of solidarity in the state’s often fragmented political landscape.
Reflecting on the significance of the rally, Saamana editorialized:
“Today, on the soil of Maharashtra and in the city of Mumbai, a grand celebration of Marathi unity is taking place. In these troubled times, moments of joy and victory are rare in the lives of Marathi people.”
The editorial asserts that since the political rise of Delhi-based power centers, Maharashtra has been subject to systematic marginalization. It accuses the central BJP leadership of repeatedly attempting to weaken the state and impose linguistic dominance by pushing Hindi as a compulsory language.
“In such a situation, the Marathi people have triumphed as Marathi, defeating the Delhiites' attempt to tail Hindi onto our language. This victory was only possible due to the unity of all political forces in the state—at the heart of which shone the Thackeray brothers, with strength, brilliance, and vision,” the piece reads.
The rally is described as a culmination of this collective resistance, with Saamana crediting the growing momentum and the threat of a large-scale protest for forcing the government to reverse its decision.
“In anticipation of a genuine Marathi uprising on July 5, the government withdrew the Hindi imposition—a testament to the power of unity.”
The editorial criticizes the current Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government, led by Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, for allegedly denying the use of iconic Shivaji Park (Shiv Tirtha) for the rally.
“Historically, every Marathi victory has been celebrated at Shiv Tirtha. But this government refuses to support a Marathi celebration. Hence, today's rally shifts to Worli. Yet, the spirit of the people is undeterred—it feels as if Balasaheb Thackeray himself is calling upon his people from the heavens: ‘Let’s go to Worli!’”
Saamana does not shy away from expressing a deep sense of betrayal felt by the Marathi community:
“Though we live in Maharashtra, the Marathi people find themselves without protectors. Injustice against Maharashtra is often dismissed in the name of national interest. Since independence, no major demand of the state has been met without struggle and sacrifice.”
The editorial strongly criticizes the cultural indifference of central leadership, citing the lack of protest from Delhi ministers when Hindi was being forced upon the state. It accuses the current dispensation of enabling individuals who oppose Marathi language and culture.
“When Kedia, a businessman, publicly states that he won’t speak Marathi despite living here for 30 years, it exposes how the dismantling of Marathi unity by Amit Shah has emboldened such voices. The ‘Gujarat formula’ of buying allegiance has poisoned Maharashtra.”
Notably, the editorial targets CM Eknath Shinde for chanting "Jai Gujarat" during an event with Amit Shah, calling it a red flag for Marathi pride and identity.