In a big political turn of events, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray shared the platform with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray on Saturday, their first joint public appearance in nearly 20 years.
At the 'Awaj Marathicha' victory celebration, Uddhav announced that the two leaders "have come together and will stay together," hinting at a potential realignment of Maharashtra's political lines.
The cousins had previously shared the podium in an election campaign in 2005. It was in the same year that Raj Thackeray split from the Shiv Sena and subsequently founded the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006.
The ceremony, marking the rollback by the Maharashtra government of its controversial order to implement the study of Hindi as a third language from class 1 in state schools, was the setting for their reunion in public. Speaking to the people, Uddhav left no doubt that they would oppose any such imposition. "We won't let the government impose Hindi on them," he stated.
Looking back at their reunification, Uddhav further stated, "One thing is clear, we have removed the distance between us," recognizing the importance of their reunion after years apart.
He further expressed his views regarding the expectations over their joint appearance: "Everyone was waiting enthusiastically for our speeches because after announcing the event, everyone was eager to listen to us. But according to me, both of us are coming together, and this platform was more significant than our speeches. Raj has already delivered a very excellent speech, and I feel there is no need for me to speak at present."
Reacting to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent statement denouncing an incident against MNS workers and labeling it as "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi identity, Uddhav Thackeray remained adamant. "Mr Fadnavis said we won't be tolerant of hooliganism for language. If a Marathi manus (man) is seeking justice, and if you are referring to us as goons, then we are goons," he asserted.
He did not hold back his censure of the BJP either. Claiming their renewed coming together, he cautioned that the union of the Thackeray cousins would be crucial in bringing an end to BJP's regime in the state.
"Power comes and goes, but unity is strength," Uddhav concluded, issuing a forceful political message that their alliance is bigger than symbolic—it's strategic.
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