Mumbai: Marking an important political moment in Maharashtra, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will share the stage today for the first time in 20 years at a joint rally titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi). Once split by a power struggle that birthed two separate parties, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Thackeray cousins are now aligning on a shared cultural cause: opposing the state government’s move to mandate Hindi as a third language in primary schools.
The last time the two cousins shared the stage was during the election campaign of Malvan assembly bypoll in 2005 after former chief minister Narayan Rane had quit the undivided Shiv Sena. Raj Thackeray quit the Shiv Sena shortly in the same year and floated the MNS in 2006.
The Mahayuti government recently reversed that decision following fierce resistance not only from both Thackerays but also from civil society and cultural figures. Seizing the moment, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have organized a massive rally at the NSCI Dome in Worli to showcase unity and mobilize Marathi pride.
Political analysts view this joint appearance as more than symbolic, a potential first step toward realignment ahead of upcoming local body elections. Though the cousins parted bitterly in the early 2000s, today’s collaboration has stirred speculation of a broader alliance to consolidate Marathi votes.
A Sena (UBT) leader shared that while the venue can hold 8,000 people, the turnout is expected to exceed that number. To accommodate the crowd, organizers have installed large LED screens around the NSCI Dome and in various neighborhoods, turning the rally into a citywide event.
Ajit Bhure, a noted Marathi filmmaker, will anchor the program. Local groups, including Jai Jawan Govinda Mandal, will perform a human pyramid display at the venue.
Senior party leaders, Anil Parab from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Bala Nandgaonkar from MNS, have overseen the rally’s coordination. Their teams have been working throughout the week, ensuring smooth logistics and maximum impact.
Though positioned as a cultural protest, leaders hint at political implications. Kishori Pednekar of Shiv Sena (UBT) remarked, “Though the rally is for the cause of Marathi, it could be the beginning of a renewed alliance between the cousins ahead of the local body polls.” Vinayak Raut echoed this sentiment, suggesting a resurgence of the Thackeray legacy. Allies from parties like NCP (SP) and the Left are expected to attend, although top Opposition figures such as Sharad Pawar and Harshwardhan Sapkal will be represented by deputies, not present themselves.
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