Three-language policy precursor to separate Mumbai plan: Raj Thackeray at joint rally with Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: Sharing political stage with cousin Uddhav after almost 20 years, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday claimed that the three-language formula which the BJP-led state government tried to impose was a precursor to its plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. Addressing a "victory" rally, Raj Thackeray, in a lighter vein, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis managed to bring him and Uddhav Thackeray together, a feat even late Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray could not achieve.

After two decades, Uddhav and Raj shared public stage and hosted a victory gathering, titled 'Awaj Marathicha', to celebrate the rollback of two Government Resolutions (GR) issued earlier by the government introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state schools. "The Maharashtra Government reversed the decision on the three-language formula due to the strong unity shown by Marathi people. This decision was a precursor to the plan of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra," the MNS chief said with Uddhav seated on the stage.

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"This was an unnecessary issue, and there was no need for it. You may have the majority in the Vidhan Sabha (assembly), but we rule the streets," he said. Referring to an attack by MNS activists on a shop owner for not speaking in Marathi, which was caught on camera, Raj said news channels showed that a Gujarati man was assaulted, but his identity was not known to MNS workers when the altercation started.

"There is no need to hit anyone without any reason. But if anyone does drama then a slap has to be given. But they too have to be at fault (for doing so). And whenever you do it, do not shoot videos. The person who gets hit must say that he has been assaulted and not the one who hits. This does not mean there is any need to hit anyone," Raj said.