Thackeray Cousins Reunite for Mumbai Power Grab Bid?
Thackeray Cousins Reunite at ‘Marathi Vijay’ Rally (Image Shiv Sena UBT, X)
Uddhav and Raj share stage after 20 years, vow joint BMC push amid Hindi policy row; pro-Hindi advocate’s office attacked post-rally
By AMIT KUMAR
MUMBAI, July 5, 2025 – In a show of unity, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS) reunited after two decades at the ‘Marathi Vijay’ rally in Mumbai’s Worli. Ostensibly a cultural celebration, the rally marked a political flashpoint following the state government’s rollback of the controversial three-language policy mandating Hindi in schools.
The event, rebranded from protest to celebration under the banner ‘Awaj Marathicha’, drew over 8,000 attendees and saw both leaders strike a powerful chord on Marathi identity.
Raj Thackeray declared, “The Maratha empire never imposed its language. Why should we accept Hindi imposition now?” Taking a swipe at CM Devendra Fadnavis, he quipped, “What Balasaheb couldn’t do, Fadnavis did—he brought Uddhav and me together.”
Uddhav Thackeray, hinting at long-term unity, said, “We have come together to stay together,” and added, “Raj and I will capture the BMC—and then Maharashtra.”
The cousins embraced on stage, fueling speculation of a pre-poll alliance ahead of the BMC elections, where Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are eyeing a Marathi voter consolidation to counter the BJP and Shinde-led Sena.
Fallout: Attack on Hindi Advocate
Hours later, the Dadar office of Sushil Kedia, a vocal supporter of Hindi education, was vandalised by alleged MNS workers. Kedia, who recently advocated for greater Hindi presence in schools, was not present, but his office was ransacked and pamphlets warning against “Hindi imposition” were left behind.
Kedia condemned the incident, saying, “This kind of cultural bullying threatens India’s diversity.” CM Fadnavis also denounced the violence, stating, “Pride in Marathi is not wrong, but hooliganism will not be tolerated.”
Rally’s Political Undertones
Despite its non-political branding—no flags or party symbols—the rally carried clear political intent. It featured cultural performances, including folk music and a human pyramid, and was attended by leaders from NCP (SP), CPI, and Peasants and Workers Party. The Congress, wary of alienating non-Marathi voters, stayed away.
The Thackeray reunion is seen as a strategic move after both parties’ poor 2024 election results. Analysts say a united front could reshape Mumbai’s civic politics, challenging the BJP’s decades-long hold on the BMC.
While no formal alliance has been declared, insiders say talks are underway. The ‘Marathi Vijay’ rally may yet mark the beginning of a new political alignment built on language, identity, and legacy.
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