MUMBAI, July 5 — A dramatic turn of Maharashtra politics – estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray reunited on stage for the first time in nearly two decades, signalling a potential realignment in the state’s political landscape. The rare show of solidarity came during a high-profile rally in Mumbai, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) joined hands to oppose the three-language policy and assert Marathi pride.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray struck a surprising note of camaraderie, crediting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for making the reunion possible. “Fadnavis has achieved what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not — bringing Uddhav and me back together,” he said to loud applause from the crowd.
Raj also used the moment to intensify his attack on the state’s recent language policy. “This three-language policy was only the beginning of a bigger plan — a plan to sever Mumbai from Maharashtra,” he alleged, framing the rollback of the policy as a victory for Marathi-speaking citizens’ resistance.
Drawing from cultural examples in the south, Raj added, “In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, leaders and film stars might study in English-medium schools, but they speak their mother tongue with pride. We must do the same for Marathi.”
Uddhav Thackeray echoed the sentiment of unity, affirming that the reunion was not a one-time gesture. “We have come together to stay together,” he said, hinting at sustained collaboration between the two parties going forward.
The rally, seen as both symbolic and strategic, may significantly impact the upcoming political equations in Maharashtra as both cousins seek to consolidate the Marathi vote bank they once jointly commanded. Their public reconciliation, after years of political rivalry, could redefine alliance dynamics in the run-up to future elections.
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