Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin voiced support on Saturday for the joint protest led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, calling their stance against the imposition of Hindi a sign that the resistance has spread beyond Tamil Nadu.
Stalin said the fight against Hindi imposition, long driven by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the people of Tamil Nadu, now has fresh momentum in Maharashtra.
“The movement is no longer confined within our borders. It is spreading like a whirlwind,” Stalin wrote on social media.
BJP Accused of Pressuring States with Language Conditions
Stalin also criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He accused the BJP of threatening to withhold funds unless Hindi was adopted as a third language in Tamil Nadu schools.
He claimed the party had “retreated again,” this time under pressure from growing public discontent in Maharashtra.
“The uprising in Maharashtra should be an eye-opener for those who claim learning Hindi guarantees employment,” Stalin added.
Thackeray Cousins Share Stage for First Time in 20 Years
In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena head Raj Thackeray appeared together on stage for the first time in two decades.
The event focused on the importance of the Marathi language and identity amid concerns over the state’s push to introduce Hindi in primary education.
“We have united for Marathi, and we will remain united,” Uddhav said.
Raj Thackeray went further, suggesting the three-language policy was a test for deeper changes, possibly separating Mumbai from Maharashtra.
“They didn’t consult anyone. They just imposed it,” Raj said. “You may have power in the assembly. We have power on the streets.”
He also attacked the core logic of the policy with a sharp question: if promoting Hindi works, why are the states that speak it still struggling?
The rally was a major political signal. Seeing two of Maharashtra’s most influential figures—and rivals—united on this issue shows a broadening resistance to the center’s language agenda.
The BJP has, so far, offered no response.
