Latest news with #MarathichaAwaaz
The Hindu
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress will negotiate only with Uddhav, Sharad Pawar: Prithviraj Chavan on Maharashtra merger buzz
The Congress will discuss alliance matters only with Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP)'s Sharad Pawar, and leave the decision on a "sub-alliance" to them, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has said amid speculation that the Thackeray cousins and the NCP factions may join hands. Mr. Chavan, however, made it clear that if the NCP merger happens and if that party goes with the NDA, it would become difficult for the Congress to continue the alliance with them in Maharashtra. In an interview with PTI, he dubbed the talk of coming together of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as a "family matter". "If we go in an alliance (in the local body polls), we will have a seat sharing with the leaders of the alliance partners, that is Mr. Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Mr. Sharad Pawar of the NCP (SP). Now, with whom they do a sub-alliance is entirely their situation," Mr. Chavan, a senior Congress leader, said "If the person is completely against the values that the Congress stands for, then we will raise some objections; otherwise, it is an internal family matter and how they do seat adjustments in case we go with an alliance [in the local body polls]," he said. Asked specifically about Raj Thackeray, Mr. Chavan told PTI, "Our experience is that he is a senior leader in Maharashtra politics. He is a big crowd puller; whenever he has a public meeting, there are huge crowds. But that doesn't get translated into votes, and that is why he has no presence in the current Maharashtra Assembly." There is a view that former Shiv Sena votes will combine together and they may get some benefit, he said on the positives of the Thackeray cousins coming together. "We will only negotiate with Mr. Uddhav Thackeray and Mr. Sharad Pawar," Mr. Chavan asserted. For the first time in 20 years, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will share the stage on July 5 at a joint "victory" rally organised by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS to celebrate the rollback of the contentious government resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Mr. Uddhav and Raj, respectively, on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) issued a joint public invitation for the "Marathi Vijay Diwas" event to be held at the NSCI Dome in Worli. The joint invitation, titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', is the first official announcement of the event. It doesn't carry a party symbol or flag, except a graphic image of Maharashtra. It mentions the names of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray as hosts. Raj Thackeray, nephew of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, resigned from the party in January 2006, apparently due to differences with Uddhav. During an interview a few months ago, Raj Thackeray said uniting in the interests of "Marathi manoos" was not difficult, while Uddhav also indicated his willingness to join hands with his cousin. On the buzz that there could be a merger between the NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, Mr. Chavan said, "Exactly, the same answer, it is a family matter. It is for them to decide who merges into which group and who becomes the leader of the merged party." "It is not very easy because the grassroots elected legislators and parliamentarians have a view that for development work to be done, there should be an alliance with the ruling party so that we get some benefit for the nursing of our constituencies while other people are saying 'we cannot align with A, B or C when we fought so hard'," Mr. Chavan said. He, however, added that he does not know what will happen with NCP's case, whether they will come together or not, who will merge into which party, who will be the leader in case of a merger or will individual units directly join the NDA. "So, all options are open, and it is for them to take a call. I don't think we will be asked for advice, but we are watching the situation. If they become part of the NDA, then it will become difficult to continue the alliance in Maharashtra," he said on the speculation over the NCP merger. The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with several other leaders, joined the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ajit was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The party name and its clock symbol were given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union Agriculture Minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). In a veiled reference to his estranged nephew Ajit Pawar amid a buzz about the reunion of the NCP factions, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had last month said that those who indulged in opportunistic politics by joining hands with the BJP can not be "encouraged".
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Thackeray cousins to share stage after two decades at joint Marathi identity rally
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.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Language Row: Raj, Uddhav Thackeray Issue Joint Invite For 'Victory' Rally In Mumbai
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS on Tuesday issued a joint public invitation for a rally in Mumbai on July 5 to celebrate "Marathi Vijay Diwas", following the state government's decision to withdraw its order three-language policy in schools. The joint invitation, titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', the first official announcement of the event, carries no party symbol or flag, except a graphic image of the state. It mentions the names of cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray as hosts. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said his party head Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will attend the rally. It will mark their first appearance together at a political event in nearly two decades. Facing mounting opposition to the introduction of Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet on Sunday decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy. Immediately after the announcement, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) said the protest march planned on July 5 against the GRs has been cancelled. However, Uddhav Thackeray later said a programme will take place on July 5 to celebrate the "unity of the Marathi manoos". The joint invitation has been addressed to "Marathi sisters and brothers", and describes the rally as a celebration of the Marathi pride and unity. "Did we make the government bow down? Yes! This celebration will be yours and we were merely fighting on behalf of you," says the message on the invitation. The rally will begin at 10 am on July 5 at the NSCI Dome in Worli, it said. The sharing of stage by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will be a significant and is expected to be a show of strength and regional pride by the cousins, amid speculation about their parties joining hands ahead of the coming civic polls in the state. Preparations for the event are in full swing, with senior leaders from both parties involved in the planning. From the Shiv Sena (UBT), Sanjay Raut, Anil Parab and Varun Sardesai have been tasked with organising the event, while the MNS has entrusted the responsibility to its leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Abhijit Panse, Sandeep Deshpande and Nitin Sardesai.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uddhav, Raj Thackeray issue joint invite as brothers to share stage in Mumbai after Maharashtra nixed 3-language policy
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday issued a joint invite for a victory rally in Mumbai on July 5 after the Maharashtra government's decision to withdraw the three-language policy in schools. Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena in January 2006, blaming Uddhav Thackeray for promoting him to do so. (HT PHOTO/FILE) The July 5 rally was earlier supposed to be a protest rally against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools. However, it has now been converted to a victory rally, scheduled to commence at the NSCI Dome in Worli around 10am. The joint invitation to celebrate 'Marathi Vijay Diwas' is the first official announcement for the rally, and mentions cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray as the hosts for the event. Titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', the invite does not bear any party symbols or flags, but carries a graphic image of Maharashtra. 'Did we make the government bow down? Yes! This celebration will be yours and we were merely fighting on behalf of you,' the invitation says. The Maharashtra cabinet had on Sunday decided to withdraw two government orders (GRs) regarding the implementation of the three-language policy, wherein Hindi language would be introduced in schools from classes 1 to 5. Uddhav, Raj's first political appearance together in two decades The victory event on July 5 will also be cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's first appearance together at a political event in nearly two decades. The plan was first mentioned by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who said that he had spoken to Raj Thackeray about holding a victory rally. A couple of hours later, Raj Thackeray held a press conference, confirming that the victory rally would be held on the same date as had been decided for the protest, in celebration of the unity of the 'Marathi manoos'. The MNS chief further thanked the Sena (UBT) and NCP(SP) for their support in opposing Hindi imposition in Maharashtra schools. He added that the opposition would continue irrespective of the report of the Narendra Jadhav committee.
Deccan Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Language row: Raj, Uddhav Thackeray to unite for Marathi 'victory' rally after almost 2 decades
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS on Tuesday issued a joint public invitation for a rally in Mumbai on July 5 to celebrate 'Marathi Vijay Diwas', following the state government's decision to withdraw its order on three-language policy in joint invitation, titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', the first official announcement of the event, carries no party symbol or flag, except a graphic image of the state. It mentions the names of cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray as Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said his party head Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will attend the rally..'I am very happy,' says Chandrakant Vaidya on Thackeray cousins coming together for cause of Marathi will mark their first appearance together at a political event in nearly two mounting opposition to the introduction of Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet on Sunday decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language after the announcement, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) said the protest march planned on July 5 against the GRs has been Uddhav Thackeray later said a programme will take place on July 5 to celebrate the 'unity of the Marathi manoos'..The joint invitation has been addressed to "Marathi sisters and brothers", and describes the rally as a celebration of the Marathi pride and unity.."Did we make the government bow down? Yes! This celebration will be yours and we were merely fighting on behalf of you," says the message on the rally will begin at 10 am on July 5 at the NSCI Dome in Worli, it sharing of stage by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will be a significant and is expected to be a show of strength and regional pride by the cousins, amid speculation about their parties joining hands ahead of the coming civic polls in the for the event are in full swing, with senior leaders from both parties involved in the the Shiv Sena (UBT), Sanjay Raut, Anil Parab and Varun Sardesai have been tasked with organising the event, while the MNS has entrusted the responsibility to its leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Abhijit Panse, Sandeep Deshpande and Nitin Sardesai.
