At the Marathi Vijay Diwas programme held at NSCI Dome in Worli, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray delivered a sharp and emotionally charged speech, emphasising Marathi unity and sending a powerful political message alongside his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray.
“The Thackeray cousins have come together, and now, we will stay united,” said Uddhav, adding that “More than what we say in our speeches, our togetherness is the real message.” He expressed gratitude to everyone present, saying, “I thank all those who came forward for the Marathi language and the Marathi people.”
Uddhav strongly criticised the BJP and the central government, accusing them of trying to impose Hindi and divide Maharashtra. “This government`s gundagiri over language will not be tolerated,” he said, declaring, “We will never allow Hindi to be forced upon Marathi people.”
Aiming at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uddhav questioned, “Where did Modi go to school?” and added, “These people should not lecture us on what Hindutva is.” He also took a dig at CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “Whoever tries to break the unity of the Marathi people will be thrown out.”
Referring to the struggle for statehood, Uddhav reminded the audience, “Marathi people have fought hard to build Maharashtra.” He warned, “This government`s only plan is to divide and rule, but we will not let that happen.”
Addressing Modi’s recent visit to Ghana, Uddhav said, “While farmers in Maharashtra are suffering, the Prime Minister is being praised as the ‘Star of Ghana.’ This is shameful.”
In a pointed jibe at Fadnavis, Uddhav also referenced the phrase “Jai Gujarat,” saying, “We say Jai Maharashtra, not Jai Gujarat. If anyone tries to harm our motherland, we will not let them go unpunished.”
“If anyone dares to harm our motherland, Maharashtra, we will not let them get away with it,” said Uddhav Thackeray.
“Maharashtra belongs to us Marathi people, it is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and every proud Marathi,” he declared.
In an emotional appeal, he added, “To all Marathi people, I say this: let’s stay united, and never allow our identity, our language, or our pride to fade away.”
