Shiv Sena (UBT) Launches Peaceful 'Teach Marathi' Drive as Raj Thackeray Withdraws Aggressive Campaign:

In a bold yet peaceful move, Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a "Teach Marathi with Love" campaign, aimed at educating non-Maharashtrians living in Maharashtra, contrasting the violent methods adopted by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) under Raj Thackeray.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey emphasized the difference in approach by saying,

“MNS padhati hai Marathi maar se. Hum padhayenge Marathi pyaar se” (MNS teaches Marathi through violence, we’ll teach it with love).

Marathi Lessons by BMC School Teachers

As part of the initiative, the party has hired Marathi teachers from BMC-run schools. Contact numbers of party functionaries have been shared on hoardings and social media, allowing interested residents to enroll for classes. Once contacted, the learner will be connected to the nearest Marathi class, fostering a welcoming environment for language learning.

Raj Thackeray Withdraws MNS Campaign

On the other side, Raj Thackeray abruptly withdrew his Marathi language campaign, stating that the message has already been delivered. In a letter posted on MNS’s social media, he wrote:

“Stop the campaign for now, but keep your focus on the issue. If rules are not followed and Marathi people are disrespected, my workers will step in again.”

This comes in the wake of violent incidents reported across Maharashtra, where MNS workers were seen attacking non-Maharashtrians in banks, malls, and housing societies for not speaking Marathi.

Backdrop: Political Strategy and Violence Concerns

Raj Thackeray’s renewed push on the Marathi identity issue is widely seen as preparation for the upcoming BMC polls. His controversial statement at the Gudhi Padwa rally—threatening to slap those who don’t speak Marathi—sparked criticism and fear.

The violence put Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the Home portfolio, under intense scrutiny. Sources suggest that behind-the-scenes talks between MNS and BJP may have played a role in the campaign’s sudden withdrawal.