Thackeray Cousins Reunite, Vow Unity for Marathi Identity and Civic Polls

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 6th July: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray shared a political stage on Saturday for the first time in two decades, declaring a renewed alliance in defence of Marathi identity and against the “imposition” of Hindi.

Speaking at a victory rally in Worli, Uddhav Thackeray proclaimed, “We have come together to stay together. We will together capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra.” The rally celebrated the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw controversial government resolutions on the three-language formula.

The event was symbolic, with only Uddhav and Raj occupying the stage, evoking memories of their late uncle and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The duo’s reunion comes amid a surge of discontent over language politics and speculation over their political futures after setbacks in recent elections.

Raj Thackeray, who had split from Shiv Sena in 2005, quipped that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had done what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not — bring the cousins together. “This unity is our strength. The government had to withdraw the Hindi GRs just at the thought of our protest march,” Raj asserted.

He accused the BJP of planning to divide people along caste lines next, adding, “Their ploy is to divide and rule.” Raj also rejected criticism over his son’s English education, pointing out that Bal Thackeray and other Hindutva leaders also studied in English-medium schools.

Uddhav, meanwhile, took sharp aim at the BJP and Eknath Shinde, blaming them for dividing Marathi people. “The BJP’s ‘batenge toh katenge’ was never about Hindus and Muslims — it was about dividing Maharashtrians,” he alleged. He also mocked Shinde for chanting “Jai Gujarat” in Maharashtra.

Although NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule was present, only Uddhav and Raj addressed the crowd. In a rare public moment, their sons Aaditya and Amit posed with each other, smiling for the cameras.

Outside the NSCI Dome, MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters rallied in thousands, waving flags, shouting slogans, and calling for lasting unity. Hoardings across Mumbai depicted the cousins together, urging them to “remain united forever for the cause of the Marathi manoos.”