Shiv Sena (UBT) leader says discussions between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray cannot happen on television; slams imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra and comments on Waqf issue and calls for President’s Rule.
Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra | April 20:
As speculation grows over a potential reunion between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve has said that while the cousins are “brothers by blood,” they follow separate political paths, and any conversation about coming together must happen in private, not in the media spotlight.
“Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers and have different politics. If both have to come together, they will have to talk to each other. This discussion cannot happen on TV,” Danve told reporters during a media interaction in Sambhajinagar.
📺 Political Dialogue Should Be Private, Not Public
Danve’s remarks come amid a growing chorus within political circles and media suggesting that a Thackeray family political reconciliation could be on the cards—especially with the crucial BMC elections approaching later this year.
However, Danve made it clear that while personal relationships exist, political ideology and party objectives differ, and public speculation should not replace private dialogue.
🗣️ “Don’t Impose Hindi in Maharashtra”
Danve also took a sharp stand against the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi compulsory till Class 5, asserting that Marathi holds constitutional and cultural primacy in the state.
“Hindi cannot be imposed in Maharashtra. Marathi is the state language and must be given priority. The Constitution gives every state the right to protect its language and culture,” he said.
He added that learning other languages should be voluntary and not state-imposed.
⚖️ On Waqf Act Protests and President’s Rule in Bengal
Reacting to BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty’s demand for President’s Rule in West Bengal following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Danve said that such a move would be unjustified and politically biased.
“If riots are happening in Bengal, they’ve also happened in Nagpur, Assam, and UP. Should we implement President’s Rule in all these states too?” he asked rhetorically.
📜 Waqf Issue: Let the Courts Decide
Danve called for a constitutional approach to resolve the Waqf Act controversy, noting that the matter is already under legal scrutiny.
“Hundreds of people have approached the courts on this matter. Parliament can pass laws with a majority, but in a democracy, issues should be addressed through constitutional means,” he asserted.
🗳️ BMC Election Context
These developments come ahead of the much-anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where political alignments—particularly within Marathi-centric parties—could significantly influence the electoral outcomes.