Raj Thackeray Warns UP, Bihar Migrants Against Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray issued a strong warning to migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar against any attempt to impose Hindi in Maharashtra, declaring that he would not tolerate such actions. Speaking at a high-profile joint rally with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, Raj stated, “People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I do not hate the language. But if you try to impose it, I will kick you,” eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the audience ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for January 15.

Both leaders framed the civic polls as a critical battle for the survival of Marathi identity and control over Mumbai. Raj described the contest as “the last election for the Marathi man,” warning that failure to unite would result in the permanent loss of land, language, and cultural rights. He urged voters to recognise the sacrifices made to secure Mumbai for Maharashtra and cautioned that continued influx from other states was eroding the share rightfully belonging to local residents.

The reunion of the estranged cousins was presented as a necessary response to an existential threat facing the city. Uddhav Thackeray explained that differences had been set aside to safeguard “the Marathi manoos, Hindus, and Maharashtra,” while Raj emphasised that the alliance stemmed from a shared conviction that Mumbai was in serious danger from external forces seeking to dominate its economic and cultural landscape.

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The speakers directly accused the BJP of promoting Hindi imposition through policies such as the three-language formula and proposals to make Hindi compulsory in early school education. Raj clarified that the objection was not to any language but to its forced imposition, which he viewed as a deliberate test of Marathi consciousness. They further alleged that the BJP was attempting to integrate Mumbai economically with Gujarat, citing infrastructure projects and alleged favours to industrial conglomerates as evidence of this long-term strategy.

Uddhav Thackeray criticised the BJP for practising “fake Hindutva” and engaging in divisive politics, while questioning remarks by a Tamil Nadu BJP leader that suggested Mumbai should be treated as an international rather than a Maharashtra city. Both leaders also raised concerns over alleged corruption in previous BMC administrations and warned that retaining control of the corporation was essential to prevent further land sales and protect the city’s interests from outside influence.

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