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The reunion of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray after a hiatus of 20 years at a mega rally in Mumbai marks a significant moment in Maharashtra politics. This event, organized jointly by their respective parties, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT), served as a celebration of the withdrawal of government resolutions pertaining to the contentious three-language policy. The rally was strategically held to showcase the unity of Marathi people against what they perceived as the imposition of Hindi, a move that triggered widespread protests and ultimately led to the government's backtracking. The symbolism of the two cousins sharing a stage after such a long period of estrangement cannot be overstated. It suggests a potential realignment of political forces in Maharashtra, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and the perceived dominance of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The joint appearance also offers a platform for both parties to regain lost ground and consolidate their support base among Marathi-speaking voters who feel their linguistic and cultural identity is under threat.
The core issue that brought the Thackeray brothers together was the state government's attempt to make Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. This decision, formalized in a government resolution (GR) on April 16, sparked immediate and vehement opposition. Critics argued that the imposition of Hindi was an attempt to undermine the importance of Marathi and erode the cultural identity of the state. The backlash was so intense that the government was forced to amend the GR on June 17, making Hindi optional instead of compulsory. However, this concession was not enough to quell the protests, and on June 29, the cabinet decided to withdraw both the original and amended GRs altogether. The Thackeray brothers seized this opportunity to demonstrate their collective strength and capitalize on the public sentiment against the perceived imposition of Hindi. By organizing a joint 'victory' rally, they aimed to project an image of unity and resolve in defending Marathi language and culture. The decision to avoid displaying party flags, symbols, or colours during the rally further emphasized the focus on cultural unity over partisan politics.
Raj Thackeray's address at the rally was particularly noteworthy. He directly attacked the BJP-led Mahayuti government, questioning the rationale behind the sudden imposition of Hindi without any prior discussion or consultation. He argued that such a move was an injustice to young children and an attempt to force a language upon the people without their consent. His statement, 'You may rule the assembly - but we rule the streets,' underscored the importance of public opinion and the power of street protests in shaping government policy. He also took a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggesting that he had inadvertently achieved what Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena, could not - bringing Raj and Uddhav together. Furthermore, Raj Thackeray alluded to a larger agenda, suggesting that the imposition of Hindi was a test case to see if the Marathi people would resist. He warned that if they had not opposed it, the government might have even considered separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. This rhetoric resonated with the anxieties of many Marathi speakers who fear that their cultural and linguistic heritage is being marginalized.
Uddhav Thackeray echoed his cousin's sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action. He declared that he and Raj Thackeray would 'together will capture power in Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra,' signalling a potential alliance or understanding between their parties in future elections. This statement reflects a recognition of the fact that neither the Shiv Sena (UBT) nor the MNS has been able to achieve significant electoral success on its own in recent years. The coming together of the two factions, even if only symbolic for now, could potentially revitalize their respective support bases and pose a challenge to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. However, it remains to be seen whether this newfound unity will translate into a formal political alliance and whether the two leaders can overcome their past differences and work together effectively.
The historical context of the Thackeray family and their political legacy is crucial to understanding the significance of this reunion. Balasaheb Thackeray, the charismatic and influential founder of Shiv Sena, played a pivotal role in shaping Maharashtra politics for decades. After his death, the party was divided between his son, Uddhav Thackeray, and his nephew, Raj Thackeray. Raj Thackeray, often seen as the more charismatic and aggressive of the two, eventually left the Shiv Sena to form his own party, the MNS. The split between the two cousins created a significant void in the Marathi political landscape, and their respective parties have struggled to maintain the same level of influence as the undivided Shiv Sena. The last time the two Thackerays came together publicly was during the 2005 Malvan assembly bypoll campaign, shortly after Narayan Rane had exited the undivided Shiv Sena. This brief collaboration was followed by Raj's departure from the Shiv Sena and the launch of the MNS in 2006. The current reunion, therefore, represents a potential turning point in their relationship and a possible re-evaluation of their respective political strategies.
The symbolism of the event is further amplified by the parties' recent electoral performances. In the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS failed to open its account. These results highlight the challenges both parties face in regaining their lost ground and competing with the dominant BJP-led alliance. The coming together of the Thackeray brothers, even if only symbolic, could be seen as an attempt to consolidate their support base and project an image of strength and unity. The decision to avoid displaying party flags and colours during the rally suggests a focus on appealing to a broader base of Marathi-speaking voters who may be disillusioned with the current political landscape. However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will be successful in translating into electoral gains.
The political ramifications of the Thackeray brothers' reunion are far-reaching. It could potentially lead to a realignment of political forces in Maharashtra, particularly in the context of upcoming elections. The coming together of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS could pose a challenge to the ruling Mahayuti alliance and create a new dynamic in the state's political landscape. The success of this alliance will depend on the ability of the two leaders to overcome their past differences and work together effectively. It will also depend on their ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future of Maharashtra and to address the concerns of the Marathi-speaking people. The issue of language politics is likely to remain a key factor in Maharashtra politics, and the Thackeray brothers are well-positioned to capitalize on this sentiment. However, they will also need to address other important issues such as economic development, social justice, and good governance in order to win the trust and support of the people.
In conclusion, the reunion of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray at a mega rally in Mumbai marks a significant moment in Maharashtra politics. The event, organized to celebrate the withdrawal of government resolutions pertaining to the three-language policy, served as a demonstration of unity and resolve in defending Marathi language and culture. The symbolism of the two cousins sharing a stage after such a long period of estrangement cannot be overstated. It suggests a potential realignment of political forces in Maharashtra, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and the perceived dominance of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The joint appearance also offers a platform for both parties to regain lost ground and consolidate their support base among Marathi-speaking voters who feel their linguistic and cultural identity is under threat. However, it remains to be seen whether this newfound unity will translate into a formal political alliance and whether the two leaders can overcome their past differences and work together effectively. The success of this endeavor will depend on their ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future of Maharashtra and to address the concerns of the Marathi-speaking people.
Source: Language row: After 20 years, Thackeray brothers share stage at mega 'victory' rally