In a rare and politically charged reunion, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray came together on Saturday at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai, for a joint rally titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi). The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back its controversial policy of introducing Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1 in state schools.
This public display of unity — the first in over 18 years — between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has sparked fresh speculation about a potential political realignment in the state. The rally witnessed participation from Marathi writers, poets, educators, editors, artists, and hundreds of Marathi language enthusiasts.
During the event, Raj Thackeray asserted that the strong show of unity among Marathi people forced the Devendra Fadnavis-led government to withdraw the two government resolutions (GRs) introducing Hindi. Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Raj questioned, “If Maharashtra is ahead of Hindi-speaking states like UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, why are we being forced to learn Hindi?” He added that “Marathi is our core agenda. The BJP is forcing Maharashtra to follow Hindi.”
Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, launched a direct attack on the BJP, declaring, “Hindutva is not anyone’s monopoly. We are deeply rooted Hindus. Don’t teach us Hinduism.” He further stated, “Hindu and Hindustan are acceptable, but the imposition of Hindi will not be tolerated — not even by your seven generations.”
The former Maharashtra CM also took aim at industrialist Gautam Adani, claiming, “Most of Mumbai’s land has been grabbed by Adani. We should be ashamed that our martyrs sacrificed their lives for Mumbai, and today, we can’t even protect our land.”
Reflecting on their reunion, Uddhav said, “We have come together to stay together. This unity is for the protection of Marathi identity.” Raj, echoing the sentiment, jokingly noted that CM Fadnavis had done what Balasaheb Thackeray never could — unite the two cousins on the same stage.
The rally marked a significant moment in Maharashtra’s regional politics, not just as a celebration of linguistic pride, but as a possible harbinger of new political equations in the state.
