Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), shared a public platform for the first time in almost 20 years at the ‘Awaj Marathicha’ rally held in Worli. The rally, initially planned as a protest against the state government’s three-language policy, turned into a victory celebration after the policy was rolled back.

The event was attended by thousands of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters. The joint appearance by the Thackeray cousins was seen as a symbolic gesture of unity, especially after years of political divergence since Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena in 2005 and later founded the MNS in 2006.

The recent Maharashtra government order to introduce Hindi as a compulsory third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools triggered widespread opposition. Unless at least 20 students opted for another language, Hindi would be mandatory.

Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS criticized the order, calling it an attempt to sideline Marathi. NCP (Sharad Pawar’s faction) also supported the protests. Uddhav Thackeray termed the move a “language emergency”, clarifying that he was not against Hindi but was firmly opposed to its forced inclusion.

Raj Thackeray also criticised the policy and urged people to stand united. “The government should know what Maharashtra wants,” he said, calling the move a conspiracy to dilute Marathi’s significance.

While the two parties had originally planned separate protests for July 6 and 7, the cousins eventually decided to combine efforts and hold a joint rally on July 5. The government revoked both language policy GRs on June 29, following sustained backlash.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later announced the formation of a committee under former Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav to recommend how the three-language formula could be implemented in schools.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray share a hug as Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are holding a joint rally as the Maharashtra government scrapped two GRs to introduce Hindi as the third language.

(Source: Shiv Sena-UBT) pic.twitter.com/nSRrZV2cHT

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025

The rally invitation, devoid of any party logos or symbols, was issued in the names of both Raj and Uddhav. “Did we make the government bow down? Yes! This celebration will be yours and we were merely fighting on behalf of you,” it stated.

Uddhav Thackeray emphasized the significance of their reunion. “We have removed the distance between us,” he said, affirming that they were united and would remain so. Commenting on the importance of the event, he added, “This stage was more important than our speeches.”

Raj Thackeray echoed the sentiment, joking that CM Fadnavis had succeeded in doing what Balasaheb Thackeray hadn’t — bringing the cousins together. He credited the rollback of the language policy to the united resistance by the Marathi-speaking public.

Responding to Fadnavis's earlier comment that “hooliganism” in the name of Marathi would not be tolerated, Uddhav said, “If we don't get justice, then we will continue doing what he calls hooliganism.”

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