After 20 Years, Thackeray Cousins Reunite—But What Brought Them Together?

In a political turn of events, estranged political rivals and cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray came together on a public stage after 20 years, as they shared the same podium at a rally called ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi) held in Mumbai on Wednesday. The rally, co-organized by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), reflected a symbolic and strategic change in Maharashtra politics, particularly ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

The rally was on the heels of the Mahayuti government’s reversal of a contentious proposal to make Hindi the third language in primary schools in Maharashtra. Both Uddhav, 64, and Raj, 57, had been vehemently opposed to the policy. Their reunion is being colored as a political win for Marathi linguistic identity.

Raj Thackeray Slams BJP-Led Policy on Hindi

Raj Thackeray, with his controversial oratory skills, didn’t spare the state government and its language policy from criticism. “What Bal Thackeray couldn’t do, what many others couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis did — unite us,” Raj quipped, targeting the Deputy Chief Minister.

“You might have power in the Vidhan Bhawan, we have power on the roads.” He also asked about the origin of the three-language formula.

“Where did you learn this three-language formula? Only from the central government. Today, in the High Court and the Supreme Court, everything is English. It is not there in any other state. Why only in Maharashtra?” He then issued a warning

“Hindi is only a 200-year-old language. Try to put your hands on Mumbai or Maharashtra, and you will get to know. People must speak Marathi, no question about it.” “There will be no compromise on the Marathi language,” Raj Thackeray declared.

Uddhav Thackeray Offers Olive Branch

Following Raj’s strong speech, Uddhav Thackeray changed his tone to a lighter one, suggesting reconciliation. Then, after all these years, Raj and I hugged on a stage. The issue is, he addressed me as ‘respected Uddhav Thackeray’. So I too will say, ‘respected Raj Thackeray’,” he quipped.

Looking back at the past, Uddhav remembered how internal friction within the Shiv Sena resulted in Raj’s exit. Bal Thackeray appointed Uddhav as the party’s working president in January 2003—a decision officially made public by Raj himself. But feelings of resentment had been simmering over perceived favouritism in allotting tickets and the marginalization of supporters of Raj.

The two last shared the stage in 2005 when they campaigned for the Malvan Assembly by-election, just before Raj quit Shiv Sena to create MNS. At a later press conference, Raj remarked, “All I had asked for was respect. All I got was insult and humiliation.”

Marathi Unity Ahead of BMC Polls

And now, two decades on, the cousins seem to have put aside their differences in support of a common cultural and political movement. Their coming together is being interpreted as a tactical partnership before the all-important BMC polls.

“Everyone present here has made themselves forget the party divide for Marathi. One thing is certain: we have closed the distance between us. We have come together, we will remain together,” Uddhav announced.

He also flayed the BJP’s move towards uniform policies.

“Mumbai was our right, we fought and got it. We have to project the BJP’s ‘one nation, one election’ concept. Gradually, they want to make one of everything. Hindu and Hindustan, we agree, but we won’t let them have Hindi. We made Marathi compulsory; we had to do it.”

With cousins regaining a joint front, the rally gives a definite message: the battle for Marathi pride is back in the limelight of Maharashtra politics.