In a significant political moment, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray came together on a common platform for the first time in two decades, uniting over the issue of Marathi language pride and opposing the state government’s scrapped move to impose Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) held a joint rally at Mumbai’s Worli Dome, where both leaders garlanded a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and shared a symbolic hug, signaling a thaw in years of political estrangement.
Speaking at the rally, Raj Thackeray took a swipe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “What Balasaheb couldn’t achieve, Fadnavis has done — he brought Uddhav and me together.” He emphasized that Maharashtra is bigger than any political rivalry, and their coming together was in defense of Marathi identity, not a political alliance.
Raj strongly objected to the now-withdrawn Government Resolutions (GRs) which made Hindi compulsory in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5, questioning why states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Rajasthan weren’t subjected to a similar mandate. “We ruled over many regions during the Maratha Empire, but never imposed our language. So why this imposition now?” he asked.
He also called for unity without resorting to violence: “Yes, everyone in Maharashtra should know Marathi. But don’t beat someone up if they don’t. If someone behaves arrogantly, that’s another matter, but don’t shoot videos or create drama around it.”
In a show of camaraderie, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut described the joint appearance as a “festival for Maharashtra”, stating that both Thackerays would now give new direction to the Marathi Manus (Marathi people).
The joint rally came after the Maharashtra government scrapped the controversial Hindi language GRs issued in April and June, following widespread backlash from regional parties and cultural groups.
This rare show of unity between two powerful regional leaders signals a potent assertion of Marathi asmita (pride) and could shape the political landscape in Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.
