'Have come together to stay together': Uddhav, Raj unite after 20 yrs

After nearly two decades, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared stage in Mumbai to celebrate Maharashtra government's rollback of Hindi in primary schools

After nearly 20 years of political estrangement, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray came together on Saturday for a joint "mega victory gathering" in Mumbai. The event celebrated the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back the contentious three-language policy that mandated Hindi as a compulsory subject in primary schools.

 

This rare show of unity between the cousins, known for championing the cause of Marathi pride and language, comes just ahead of the upcoming local body elections, including the crucial polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

 

'We have come together to stay together': Uddhav Thackeray

 

At the event, Uddhav said, “We have come together to stay together,” signalling a long-term political partnership. He said both leaders would strive to win power in the Mumbai civic body and in Maharashtra. He also opposed the Centre’s push to promote Hindi, saying, “We won't let the government impose Hindi on us.”   

 

 

Taking aim at the Centre and the state government, Uddhav questioned their achievements over the past 11 years. “They have pushed Mumbai’s key establishments to Gujarat... You are breaking Maharashtra’s backbone,” he said, accusing the BJP of sidelining Marathi people.

 

Raj Thackeray on Marathi identity, Hindi imposition

 

Raj echoed similar sentiments, asserting Marathi pride. He criticised the forced promotion of Hindi and said, “I have nothing against Hindi… but why impose it?” He also defended studying in English-medium schools, saying, “Tomorrow, I will learn Hebrew also. Will anyone question my pride in Marathi?”

 

From estrangement to alliance

 

The last time Uddhav and Raj shared a public platform was in 2005 during the Malvan Assembly bypoll campaign. That year marked a turning point in their relationship, as Raj left the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to form the MNS in 2006. Since then, the cousins have charted separate political paths, often with friction between them.

 

Their joint appearance on Saturday took place at the NSCI Dome in Worli, a stronghold of Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav’s son and a prominent leader of the Sena (UBT).

 

The celebration, although branded as apolitical, carries significant political undertones. Both parties have instructed their cadres not to display flags, banners, or party symbols. Still, the event is being closely watched, as both the Sena (UBT) and MNS are struggling to regain electoral ground after poor performances in the 2024 state assembly elections. The Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS failed to secure any.   

 

Protests, violence, and victory

 

The celebration follows a series of protests led by both parties opposing the state government's April 16 decision to make Hindi compulsory for classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. The backlash led to an amended order on June 17, which made Hindi optional, and the complete withdrawal of the earlier orders on June 29.

 

The same day, Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders burned copies of the government order and announced a protest march. Claiming moral victory after the government’s rollback, they decided to convert the protest into a celebration instead.

 

However, the lead-up to the rally has not been without controversy. MNS workers were recently seen assaulting a street vendor for not speaking Marathi, while two people were publicly made to apologise in the presence of Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, PTI reported.

 

(With agency inputs)