Thackeray Cousins Reunite After Two Decades, Uddhav Hints at Political Alliance

• Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunite after nearly 20 years at rally.
• Both cousins criticize BJP-led Mahayuti government over language politics.
• Uddhav hints at a potential alliance ahead of local elections.

Thackeray cousins come together after two decades of separation

Thackeray Cousins Come Together After Two Decades of Separation In a noteworthy event on Saturday, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray appeared publicly together for the first time in nearly 20 years. This reunion took place at a rally in Worli, where the main focus was the Mahayuti government’s decision to reverse its contentious order introducing Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra’s primary schools. Pitched at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) Dome, which can hold over 8,000 attendees, the event saw significant turnout, including about 5,000 supporters watching on large screens outside. The cousins pledged to defend the rights of the Marathi manoos, and intriguingly, Uddhav hinted at a potential alliance between their respective parties, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Any alliance could drastically alter the political atmosphere in Maharashtra, which recently witnessed the Mahayuti coalition returning to power with a decisive majority in last year’s assembly elections.

Political implications of a potential alliance

Political Implications of a Potential Alliance As Uddhav and Raj took the stage, the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable. They leveled criticisms towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti government, accusing it of attempting to fracture the region along linguistic and social lines. Raj, who broke away from the original Shiv Sena in 2005, even wryly expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for facilitating their reunion, a feat that the late Bal Thackeray could not achieve. During their speeches, both cousins spoke extensively about the importance of Marathi identity, with Uddhav stating, “We have come together to stay together,” igniting cheers from the audience comprising party leaders, Thackeray family members, and opposition figures like NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. He also mentioned that the political scene is filled with those who exploit and betray at their convenience, seemingly directing a critique at their political rivals, the BJP.

Unity advocated amid political tensions

Unity Advocated Amid Political Tensions Raj also voiced his views on the Mahayuti government’s attempt to impose Hindi in school curricula, which he described as a machination to test the waters for potentially isolating Mumbai from Maharashtra itself. He expressed firm disapproval, arguing that it was essential for residents of Maharashtra to communicate in Marathi. While he stopped short of discussing a formal alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) during his speech, he stressed the critical necessity for Marathi-speaking individuals to unify against these perceived threats. His caution against aggressive action against those who do not speak Marathi comes in the wake of controversies surrounding MNS workers who recently assaulted an eatery owner for failing to speak the language. Analysts remark that if the Thackerays decide to contest elections jointly, this partnership could catalyze a consolidation of Marathi votes, markedly impacting Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, positioning them in opposition to the heirs of the influential Bal Thackeray.

This rally marked a significant turning point in the dynamics of Maharashtra politics, with Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reuniting after two decades to address key issues affecting their constituency. Their dialogue on preserving Marathi identity amid language imposition showcases a growing political sentiment that could reshape upcoming election strategies. If they indeed advance toward a formal alliance, it could alter the political landscape in Maharashtra by consolidating Marathi voter support against rival factions.