MUMBAI — In a dramatic turn in Maharashtra’s political landscape, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared the stage in Mumbai on Saturday, hinting at a long-anticipated political reconciliation after two decades of rivalry.
Addressing a packed gathering at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Uddhav Thackeray — Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister — made a compelling call for unity, declaring that the two would now work in tandem to reclaim control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and, ultimately, the state.
“Some may question whether we’ll remain united until the BMC elections. Let me be clear — we are here for the cause of Marathi pride, and we will stand together for it,” Uddhav declared. “From today, Raj and I are together. They will try to divide us again, but we are prepared.”
The rare show of solidarity was witnessed by several key opposition figures, including NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad and MP Supriya Sule, although Congress leaders were notably absent from the event.
In his remarks, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray made a striking observation, crediting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for achieving what even their uncle, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, could not — bringing the cousins together on a shared political platform.
“After 20 long years, Uddhav and I are here together — something that even Balasaheb couldn’t bring about. Ironically, it’s Devendra Fadnavis who made it happen,” Raj quipped, alluding to the government's recent decision to roll back a controversial language policy following backlash from Marathi groups.
Language Policy Rollback Sparks Political Unity
The rally came against the backdrop of the state government’s reversal of its Hindi language policy in primary schools — a flashpoint that galvanized opposition unity. Under the now-scrapped directive issued on April 17 as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Hindi had been made compulsory as a third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools.
Facing intense resistance from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance and cultural organizations, the government revised the rule on June 18, allowing students to choose another Indian language if at least 20 students in a class made the request. Amid continued opposition, the policy and its revision were both withdrawn entirely on June 30.
Raj and Uddhav used the moment to reframe the issue as an attack on Marathi identity — a cause long championed by both leaders in their respective political careers. “We will together resist all forces that aim to divide us or dilute our cultural identity,” Uddhav said.
While no formal alliance has been announced yet, the symbolic joint appearance of the Thackeray cousins has already sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political corridors. Analysts say their potential collaboration could significantly alter the dynamics in Mumbai’s civic polls and state politics in the run-up to the 2024 assembly elections.
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