In a rare show of unity, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray — once close, now politically divided — will come together on Saturday in Mumbai for a public rally celebrating the Maharashtra government’s rollback of the three-language policy in primary schools.
The event, called a “mega victory gathering,” will take place at the NSCI Dome in Worli, part of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray’s constituency. This marks the first time in two decades that the Thackeray cousins will share a stage. The last time they did so was in 2005, just before Raj left the Shiv Sena and launched his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), in 2006.
Both Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj’s MNS strongly support Marathi pride and language. They joined hands to oppose the state government’s April order making Hindi compulsory for Classes 1 to 5. After protests and public pressure, the government changed its decision in June, making Hindi optional. This rollback is being seen as a victory for regional identity.
Even though the event won’t use any party flags, symbols, or banners, the political message is clear. Both parties have lost ground in recent elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) won just 20 seats in the 2024 Assembly polls, and the MNS didn’t win any. With local body elections coming up, including the powerful Mumbai civic polls, this rally signals a potential new political alliance.
The Congress, although an ally of the Sena (UBT), will not participate in the rally. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar will also skip it, but Supriya Sule or Jitendra Awhad are expected to attend.
In Thane, MNS and Sena (UBT) workers celebrated early by distributing sweets and playing traditional drums. Supporters handed out ‘laddoos’ at road junctions, while large hoardings of the Thackeray cousins added to the festive mood. The Koli community also held prayers for unity at a local temple.
This unexpected reunion of the Thackeray cousins could change the political game in Maharashtra.
Also Read: Why Congress Keeps Targeting the RSS
