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In their first joint appearance in 20 years, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray vowed to stay united for Marathi identity and reclaim power in Mumbai and Maharashtra
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, left, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during a joint victory rally organised by the cousins, at Worli area, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (PTI Photo)
Raj-Uddhav Mumbai Rally: In a rare show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shared the stage for the first time in two decades at the Awaj Marathicha rally in Mumbai. Addressing a packed NSCI Dome, Uddhav sought to silence speculation over the longevity of their reunion, especially in the run-up to the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
“Many are raising doubts about whether we’ll stay together till the BMC elections,” he said. “Let me tell you all—we are here for Marathi, and we’ll stay together for Marathi.”
Going a step further, Uddhav declared their joint ambition to reclaim political ground in the state: “Raj Thackeray and I will capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra,” he said, according to PTI.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are expected to be held later this year or in early 2026, and are seen as a crucial battle for control of Asia’s richest civic body.
The statement marks a significant political shift, with both leaders—once bitter rivals—signalling long-term cooperation aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote.
The tone of the rally, however, extended beyond civic issues and touched on deeper concerns of linguistic identity. The gathering was billed as a “victory rally” to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s rollback of a controversial policy that sought to make Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools—a move that had sparked strong opposition from both parties.
In a joint appeal ahead of the event, cousins Uddhav and Raj had urged Marathi-speaking citizens to join the rally, calling it a moment of cultural assertion. “Voice of Marathi… Mothers, brothers, sisters—it’s you who brought the government to its knees! Come with cheer, we are waiting,” the statement read.
Raj Thackeray, known for his sharp commentary, added a dose of political irony from the stage, saying, “Balasaheb couldn’t bring us together, but Devendra Fadnavis managed to do it.” His comment drew laughter and applause, even as it highlighted the unexpected nature of the reunion.
The MNS chief also reaffirmed their stance against Hindi language imposition. “Even if the committee set up by the government recommends the same policy again, we will not accept it,” he said, adding that the fight was about preserving the Marathi language and identity.
Uddhav, meanwhile, reiterated the seriousness of their renewed partnership. “We have come together to stay together,” he declared, underscoring that the unity was not just symbolic but politically purposeful.
What Was Maharashtra’s Three-Language Policy?
The Maharashtra education department had earlier announced that Hindi would be made a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools, as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This was officially declared on April 17.
But, after facing strong opposition, the policy was changed on June 18. The revised rule said Hindi would be the default third language, but students could pick another Indian language if at least 20 students in the class requested it. A review committee was formed on June 24 to look into the matter again.
Due to continued criticism from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, the state government cancelled both decisions last Sunday.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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