With figures showing that there are less than 40 per cent Marathi speakers in Mumbai, the BJP finds itself appealing to one side, while the Thackeray cousins hard-sell the language issue to the other

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (left) and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray at their ‘victory rally’ at the NSCI Dome in Worli on July 5. Pic/Rane Ashish

The Hindi language row has shifted from the classroom to the street. In April, the government introduced an academic decision to promote Hindi in primary schools across the state. However, the move to shape young minds has now turned into a Marathi versus non-Marathi row and even redrawn political lines — making the most unexpected things happen, such as bringing the estranged cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray together. This reunion has triggered a locals-versus-migrants issue and language politics now dominating Maharashtra’s politics.

The linguistic fight spilling over to the streets is seen as a battle for cultural control and electoral advantage. For example, in a protest march carried out at Mira Road-Bhayandar by traders in support of non-Marathi speaking people, the national pride agenda was clearly visible as those participating in the rally shouted ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans. Whereas a show of strength by local Marathi speakers organised by the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti and supported by both Raj and Uddhav saw slogans leaning towards language and regional pride. 

The cousins have endorsed violence against shopkeepers in Mira Road for not respecting

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