Maharashtra: In a significant political development, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray shared the stage for the first time in nearly 20 years during a high-profile rally in Mumbai, marking a rare reunion that could reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape.
The event, seen as a symbolic show of unity between Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), centred around protecting the Marathi identity and opposing the state’s controversial three-language policy.
Addressing the gathering, MNS chief Raj Thackeray remarked, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not do by bringing Uddhav and me back on one platform.”
He claimed the state government withdrew the three-language formula only after strong public opposition from Marathi-speaking citizens, calling the policy the beginning of a larger plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.
Drawing parallels with southern states, Raj Thackeray said, “Many politicians and film stars in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh studied in English-medium schools, but they are still proud of their mother tongue. We should do the same for Marathi.”
In his address, Uddhav Thackeray emphasised that the reunion was not temporary. “We have come together to be together,” he said, indicating continued cooperation between the two parties.
The rally is being viewed as a strategic attempt by both leaders to reclaim their traditional Marathi and Maratha voter base ahead of upcoming political challenges in the state.
