Thackeray cousins to share stage after two decades at joint Marathi identity rally

The Hindu

2 days ago

In a significant political development, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and leaders of rival factions born out of the undivided Shiv Sena, will share a public stage for the first time in two decades. The event, scheduled for July 5 at the NSCI Dome in Worli, will mark the celebration of 'Marathi Vijay Diwas', following the Maharashtra government's decision to withdraw two controversial government resolutions (GRs) on the implementation of the three-language policy in schools.
The joint celebration is being organised by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). A public invitation released on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', features no party symbols but carries the names of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray as co-hosts, along with a graphic outline of the State of Maharashtra.
'Marathi mothers, sisters and brothers, did we make the government bow down? Yes, we did make the government bow down! This celebration will be yours. We were only fighting on your behalf. Therefore, even while celebrating this joy, we are only the organisers of this gathering; the rest is for you to celebrate. Come, celebrate and burst with joy! We are waiting!' the joint invitation reads.
Confirming their attendance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the event would be a 'celebration of Marathi unity and pride,' and an assertion of regional identity.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (June 29, 2025) had announced the withdrawal of the government resolutions that was proposed to introduce Hindi from Class 1 in State-run schools as part of a uniform three-language policy — a move strongly opposed by both the MNS and Sena (UBT).
The two parties had earlier announced a joint protest march but called it off after the withdrawal, calling it a 'victory of the Marathi manoos'. Mr. Uddhav Thackeray subsequently announced a public celebration on July 5 to highlight Marathi unity.
Reacting to the announcement of the joint rally, BJP MP and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane launched a scathing attack on Mr. Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of pushing Mr. Raj out of the undivided Shiv Sena and now seeking reconciliation for political gain.
'Has Mr. Uddhav forgotten how he harassed Raj, causing him to quit the party? Now he is trying to butter him up in the name of brotherhood,' Mr. Rane posted on social media.
Mr. Rane went on to blame Uddhav for the decline of the original Shiv Sena, stating, 'Balasaheb Thackeray brought the party to power, but Mr. Uddhav lost it. He doesn't have the strength or ability to reclaim what was lost.'
He also pointed to the contributions of himself, Eknath Shinde, and Ganesh Naik to the Shiv Sena's growth, claiming they were discarded by Mr. Uddhav's leadership. Notably, Mr. Raj Thackeray had campaigned in support of Mr. Rane during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In response, Bhaskar Jadhav, senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), questioned Mr. Rane's credibility and political consistency.
'Why is Narayan Rane so concerned about others? He left his own party within a year, then quit Congress. He must explain his own journey to the people of Maharashtra,' Mr. Jadhav said.
He also referred to Mr. Rane's recent remarks aimed at BJP Minister Ravindra Chavan, suggesting they revealed deeper political contradictions within the ruling coalition.