Mumbai | June 28, 2025 — In a significant political development, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared the stage after two decades at a rally titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi) in Mumbai. The event, jointly organised by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), marked a rare moment of unity aimed at asserting Marathi linguistic and cultural pride.
The rally comes in the wake of the Mahayuti coalition government’s rollback of a controversial decision mandating Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra’s primary schools. The decision had drawn sharp criticism from both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, prompting them to come together in what is being seen as a strategic realignment ahead of the upcoming BMC elections.
“No Compromise on Marathi,” Declares Raj Thackeray
In a fiery address, Raj Thackeray accused the central government of imposing the three-language formula on Maharashtra. “What Bal Thackeray couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis did — he brought us together,” said Raj, adding, “You may have power in the Vidhan Bhavan, but we have power on the roads.”
He issued a stern warning: “Try putting your hands on Mumbai or Maharashtra, and you will see what happens. Hindi is just a 200-year-old language. There will be no compromise on Marathi.”
Uddhav Thackeray: “We’ve Removed the Distance Between Us”
In a more reconciliatory tone, Uddhav Thackeray opened his speech with a light quip, referring to his cousin as “respected Raj Thackeray.” He emphasised the importance of unity, saying, “Everyone here has forgotten the party divisions for the sake of Marathi. We’ve removed the distance between us—we’ve come together and we’ll stay together.”
Criticising the BJP’s push for ‘One Nation, One Election’, Uddhav said, “Slowly they want to make everything one. We agree with Hindu and Hindustan, but we won’t allow Hindi to dominate in Maharashtra.”
From Political Rift to Public Unity
This was the first public appearance of the Thackeray cousins together since 2005, when they had campaigned during the Malvan Assembly by-election. Later that year, Raj Thackeray exited the Shiv Sena, launching his own party, the MNS, after citing repeated humiliation and marginalisation within the Sena.
Their reunion after 20 years, especially on an issue as emotionally charged as language identity, is being viewed as a calculated political move—one that could shift the dynamics of regional politics in Maharashtra.
Cultural Protest or Political Statement?
While the rally was pitched as a cultural assertion, its political undertones were unmistakable. With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections looming, observers believe this joint appearance could be the beginning of a broader political alliance between the two Thackeray factions.
As the rally concluded, both leaders stood side by side—sending a clear message that Marathi identity and unity may soon become the central plank of a renewed political force in the state.
