Language row: After 20 years, Thackeray brothers share stage at mega 'victory' rally
NEW DELHI: Uddhav Thackeray and cousin Raj Thackeray shared the stage at a mega rally in Mumbai organised by their parties to mark the withdrawal of government resolutions (GRs) related to the three-language policy.
The rally is being held at the NSCI Dome in central Mumbai's Worli, which falls in the assembly constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. The gathering is also seen as significant ahead of the upcoming local body elections, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
The last time the two Thackerays came together publicly was during the 2005 Malvan assembly bypoll campaign, shortly after former chief minister Narayan Rane had exited the undivided Shiv Sena.
Raj went on to quit the party later that year and launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006.
Their latest appearance comes in the backdrop of protests against an April 16 government resolution (GR) issued by the BJP-led Mahayuti government, which made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. After a sharp backlash, the government amended the GR on June 17 to make Hindi optional.
On June 29, the cabinet decided to withdraw both the original and amended GRs altogether.
That same day, leaders from both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS burned copies of the GRs and planned a protest march for July 5. However, following the rollback, the parties scrapped the protest and announced a joint 'victory' rally instead.
For the "victory" event, both parties decided to avoid displaying their respective flags, symbols, or party colours during the rally, a move widely seen as a message of cultural unity over partisan politics.
The symbolism of the event is also being weighed against the parties' recent electoral performances. In the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS failed to open its account.
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