Thackeray Brothers Unite for Marathi Language Rights in Rare Political Truce

 Mumbai, June 27 — In a dramatic and unexpected development on Maharashtra’s political landscape, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are poised to share the stage for the first time in years. The two leaders, representing rival factions that have long stood at ideological and political odds, will jointly lead a protest rally on July 6 to oppose what they describe as the “forced imposition of Hindi” in the state’s schools and to advocate for the protection of the Marathi language.

The rare show of unity was publicly confirmed by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who posted the announcement first in Marathi and then in English on social media. In a move rich with symbolism and political messaging, Raut tagged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, signalling that the rally is aimed not only at the state’s electorate but also at the central government.

“This is more than a protest. It is a declaration — that Maharashtra will resist any erosion of its linguistic and cultural identity,” Raut asserted. “The Thackeray name stands as a bastion of Marathi pride.”

Leaders from Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also echoed similar sentiments. In public statements, MNS representatives called on all Marathi-speaking citizens to unite against what they allege is an increasingly aggressive promotion of Hindi in the state’s educational institutions. The MNS has maintained that linguistic imposition undermines Maharashtra’s cultural autonomy and must be resisted with collective resolve.

What makes this joint appearance particularly significant is the fractured history between the two cousins. Originally, Raj Thackeray was expected to lead a rally on July 6, followed by a separate event led by Uddhav Thackeray on July 7. However, following closed-door negotiations, both parties agreed to consolidate their efforts into a single, large-scale rally on July 6 — a move intended to project strength and solidarity.

Political Responses and Reactions

Predictably, the ruling Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have dismissed the initiative as politically timed theatre ahead of upcoming elections. BJP leaders have denied any policy enforcing Hindi in state-run schools, claiming that opposition parties are manufacturing controversy to mislead voters and reclaim lost political ground.

“Marathi continues to be the cornerstone of the state's cultural and academic framework,” said one senior BJP leader, adding, “This protest is nothing more than a desperate attempt to regain relevance.”
Uddhav Thackeray has also faced criticism for his timing. Critics point out that his government took no such stand during his tenure as Chief Minister, questioning the sincerity of his renewed focus on Marathi identity.

Nonetheless, the optics of the Thackeray brothers sharing a platform has reignited political speculation across Maharashtra. For supporters on both sides, the issue of linguistic identity appears strong enough to transcend long-standing personal and political rifts. Observers suggest that while this alliance may be temporary, it signals a broader recalibration in regional politics.

Whether this symbolic reunion results in sustained cooperation or remains a one-off moment of unity remains uncertain. However, for now, the July 6 rally has captured the attention of Maharashtra’s electorate — and sent a clear message to Delhi that the politics of language continues to be a powerful force in the state’s public discourse.