Mumbai: In what could mark a historic turning point in Maharashtra’s political landscape, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray came together on the same stage for the first time in nearly 20 years. The leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) shared a rare moment of unity during a thunderous “Marathi Vijay Melava” (Victory Rally) held in Worli, celebrating the state government’s rollback of controversial language mandates.
The event, charged with emotion and political symbolism, was prompted by the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw two contentious government resolutions (GRs) that had made Hindi effectively mandatory for students in Classes 1 to 5. The now-repealed GRs were part of the state’s adoption of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which had sparked widespread backlash.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
The sight of just two chairs on stage—occupied by Uddhav and Raj—was enough to ignite chants of “Marathi Asmita Zindabad” from a sea of supporters who had packed the venue to its limits. The symbolism was unmistakable: the reunion of the Thackeray legacy, once fractured by ideological and strategic differences, now momentarily mended in the name of Marathi identity.
Words that Stirred the Crowd
Uddhav Thackeray, speaking with characteristic resolve, called the language GRs a “language emergency” and warned of systemic attempts to dilute regional identity. “No language—neither Hindi nor English—should be forced upon our children. Marathi is not just a language; it is our soul,” he declared, earning thunderous applause.
Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery oratory, struck a lighter tone as he addressed the crowd: “It took the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis to do what even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t—bring Uddhav and me together again!” He went on to liken the current cultural pushback to the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, underscoring the moment’s historical resonance.
Political Shockwaves
The event’s political implications were immediately felt across party lines. With municipal elections approaching, the Thackeray duo’s joint appearance is seen as a strategic masterstroke—signaling to opponents that a Marathi alliance front may be taking shape. Political analysts noted that the combined influence of MNS’s aggressive ground-level presence and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s organizational depth could become a formidable force in urban pockets, especially in Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik.
Broad-Based Support
Backing the event was an array of Marathi cultural icons, educators, and opposition parties, including NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, who lent his weight behind the idea that Hindi must not be compulsory before Class 5. The public sentiment was echoed across social media and civil society forums, with many hailing the rally as a much-needed assertion of linguistic federalism in a diverse nation.
The Road Ahead
While no formal alliance was announced, the subtext was hard to miss. The camaraderie between Uddhav and Raj, their synchronized messaging, and the sheer momentum of the crowd pointed to more than just a symbolic gesture. Insiders suggest that backchannel talks between both camps are ongoing, with discussions about seat-sharing and joint campaigning already underway for upcoming local body elections.
As the echoes of “Jai Maharashtra” rang through Worli Dome, one thing became clear: the Thackeray brothers may be ready to write a new political chapter—together. Whether this unity holds or remains event-specific, its impact on Maharashtra’s cultural and electoral future is already profound.
For now, Maharashtra has witnessed something once thought impossible: the return of the Thackerays, side by side, for Marathi pride.
