In a rare public moment, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage in Mumbai after two decades. Their reunion at the “Victory Rally” in Worli reignited political debates across Maharashtra. While their supporters welcomed the move as historic, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance launched fierce attacks.
Shinde Slams Uddhav’s Intentions
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacted sharply. He praised Raj’s concern for the Marathi language but criticized Uddhav’s tone. “Raj reflected genuine concern for the Marathi language. In contrast, Uddhav’s speech was filled with bitterness, jealousy, and a desperate craving for power and position,” he stated.
Moreover, Shinde said Uddhav missed the rally’s real purpose. “He raised no issue concerning the Marathi Manoos. Self-interest and the hunger for power were the only visible agendas.”
Allegations of Betrayal and Decline
Shinde accused Uddhav of betraying Marathi identity. He blamed the 2019 alliance with Congress and NCP for diluting Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision.
He questioned Uddhav’s leadership and the fall of Marathi representation in Mumbai. “The Shiv Sena under my leadership won 60 seats, while Uddhav’s party contested 100 and managed just 20,” he said.
Furthermore, Shinde accused Uddhav of insulting Prime Minister Modi during the event. “It is unfortunate that even the PM was targeted. That only exposes their hatred and desperation for power,” he added.
BJP Leaders Push Back
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale warned the MNS against using aggression. “Love for Marathi can be understood, but the feeling of opposing the Hindi language is not right,” he told ANI.
He called on Raj Thackeray to restrain his party workers. “Bullying can be answered with bullying. Beating someone is wrong.” He also claimed that the reunion could divide the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Meanwhile, State Minister Ashish Shelar dismissed the rally as a political stunt. “This was not a rally for the love of language but public appeasement of a brother once thrown out of the house,” he said.
According to him, the cousins reunited out of fear of BJP’s rising strength in civic polls. “They remembered their brotherhood due to the fear of BJP’s strength,” he added.
Fadnavis Responds with Sarcasm
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to Raj’s remark that “What Balasaheb could not do, Devendra Fadnavis did it.”
He replied with sarcasm, “I express my gratitude to Raj Thackeray that he gave me the credit for the coming together of both the brothers; I must be getting the blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray.”
Fadnavis ridiculed the rally as a show of emotion rather than purpose. “I was told there would be a victory rally, but there was also a speech of ‘rudaali’. Not a single word was spoken about Marathi,” he said. He also slammed the Thackerays for mismanaging the BMC during their long control. “They did not do any work that could be shown,” he added.
Uddhav and Raj Vow to Stay United
During the rally, Uddhav declared a strong message of unity. “We have come together to stay together. We will together capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra,” he announced.
The rally drew loud cheers from members of both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. Uddhav stressed that this fight was not just political. He said the battle was about “defending the Marathi language and identity” against the “imposition” of Hindi.
Raj opened his speech with a light dig, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t, he brought us together.” He warned the BJP against dividing Mumbai from Maharashtra. He claimed the now-cancelled three-language policy was just the beginning.
Speculations About a New Alliance
The rally raised fresh speculation. Could the Thackeray cousins form a new alliance before the BMC polls? Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) has seen electoral setbacks. Raj’s MNS has been struggling to stay relevant. Both parties now seem to be looking for revival through unity. Saturday’s rally may signal a turning point both strategically and emotionally for the Thackeray cousins.