Thackeray brothers reunite after 20 years in support of Marathi language

After nearly 20 years, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared the public stage once again. On Saturday, they came together in Mumbai for a "mega victory gathering" to celebrate the Maharashtra government's decision to roll back the three-language policy in primary schools.

The event, titled 'Awaj Marathicha' (Voice of the Marathi), was jointly organised by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), marking the first time since 2005 that the two estranged cousins shared a stage.

Addressing the 'victory' rally for the Marathi cause, Raj Thackeray



took a jibe at the BJP saying, "What Bal Thackeray could not do, Devendra Fadnavis did - bring us together". Uddhav dropped a big hint, affirming to stay united in the future, marking a big shift in the volatile landscape of Maharashtra politics.

The recent rollback by the ruling Mahayuti coalition of its controversial policy mandating Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra’s primary schools has acted as the catalyst for the Thackeray cousins’ show of unity. Both Uddhav, 64, and Raj, 57, had vehemently opposed the proposal, and the rally is being framed as a "victory" for Marathi identity.