A Historic Thackeray Reunion: Raj and Uddhav Join Hands in Marathi Victory Rally Against Hindi Imposition

Pune, July 5, 2025 — In a rare and politically significant turn of events, Maharashtra's political landscape witnessed a historic moment today as estranged cousins Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), reunited after nearly two decades. The two leaders came together in a high-voltage “Marathi Victory Rally” held in central Mumbai, aiming to send a strong message against what they term as the “growing imposition of Hindi” in Maharashtra.

This emotional and symbolic alliance comes at a time when regional linguistic identity is once again emerging as a flashpoint in Indian politics.

What Sparked the Rally?

The spark behind this rare reunion was a growing perception among several Marathi leaders that central policies are steadily eroding the Marathi language’s prominence in Maharashtra. The final trigger came after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently praised Gujarat with a loud “Jai Gujarat” slogan during a public event in Pune—an act viewed by both Thackerays as diminishing Maharashtra’s linguistic pride.

The rally was not just a symbolic show of unity; it was an aggressive political statement underscoring the need to preserve the Marathi language, protect regional culture, and oppose what many see as a top-down approach to national language promotion.

The Significance of the Thackeray Reunion

The political split between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray dates back to 2006, when Raj parted ways from Shiv Sena, citing differences in leadership and vision. What followed were nearly two decades of rivalry, ideological clashes, and an ever-widening divide in Maharashtra’s political ecosystem.

Today’s event marked the first time since that split that the two have not only shared a stage but openly supported each other's linguistic and cultural agenda. While they stopped short of declaring a formal political alliance, the visual of them standing side-by-side resonated deeply with Marathi voters.

“This is not just a rally; it is a declaration that Maharashtra's identity is not up for sale,” Raj Thackeray said in a forceful speech, cheered on by thousands gathered at Shivaji Park. Uddhav Thackeray echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are here today not for power, but to defend our mother tongue, our pride, and our land.”

Why This Matters Politically

With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections behind us and state assembly polls due in 2025, this reunion is more than just a cultural stand—it’s a strategic political signal. Both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) are looking to consolidate Marathi-speaking voters, especially after facing stiff competition from the BJP-Shinde alliance.

Analysts suggest that if this unity continues to build momentum, it could significantly shift electoral calculations in urban centers like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune—areas with large Marathi middle-class populations.

This development could also complicate the BJP’s narrative, which has largely focused on pan-Indian integration and the promotion of Hindi as a national link language. The optics of this rally may push other regional parties to assert linguistic identities more vocally, especially in South India and parts of the Northeast.

Public and Political Reaction

The rally drew widespread attention not only from political observers but also from common citizens. Social media was abuzz with reactions, with many lauding the Thackeray cousins for putting aside personal differences for a cause greater than politics.

Meanwhile, the Eknath Shinde faction appeared cornered, with many of its Marathi-speaking voter base questioning his recent remarks that seemed to align more with Gujarati political symbolism than Maharashtrian pride.

Leaders from other regional parties such as the DMK in Tamil Nadu and TMC in West Bengal voiced support for the Thackeray-led initiative, calling it a necessary counterbalance to Hindi hegemony.

The Rally Highlights

• Venue: Shivaji Park, Mumbai

• Crowd Size: Estimated 40,000 attendees

• Speakers: Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, prominent Marathi literary figures, student leaders

• Key Themes: Opposition to Hindi imposition, Marathi cultural preservation, regional autonomy

Looking Ahead: Is a Formal Alliance on the Cards?

While today's event was largely centered around cultural and linguistic identity, political watchers are keeping a close eye on future developments. If this unity translates into an electoral pact for the 2025 Maharashtra Assembly elections, it could reshape the balance of power in the state.

Both leaders have indicated that further joint appearances and policy-level discussions are likely in the coming weeks. Sources close to the MNS suggest that joint policy papers on education, media, and local governance in the Marathi language are in development.

Conclusion

The Raj-Uddhav reunion has reignited a dormant debate about language, identity, and federalism in India. More importantly, it has re-centered Marathi pride at the heart of Maharashtra’s political discourse. As the country grapples with the balance between national unity and regional identity, the images from today’s rally could prove to be a defining moment—not just for Maharashtra, but for Indian politics at large.