In a dramatic show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray are poised to join hands for a joint march on July 5, protesting the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi mandatory as a third language in primary schools. This marks the first time the two cousins will share a platform after years of political estrangement, signaling a potential thaw in their relationship.
The announcement came from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who posted on X on Friday: “Jai Maharashtra! There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!” Raut also tagged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his post.
Speaking to the media, Raut explained how the idea of a joint march took shape. “Raj Thackeray called me and said that it would not be good if two separate marches were organised, so there should be one. I met Uddhav Thackeray and told him about the phone call from Raj Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray immediately accepted the proposal and said we need to show the unity of Marathis. Now there would be a single and joint march on July 5. The time and place of the march will be discussed and finalised,” Raut told reporters.
While there is still no official confirmation of participation from the MNS, political observers see this as a significant move that could consolidate the Marathi vote bank, especially ahead of the crucial Mumbai civic elections.
The show of unity follows weeks of political chatter after Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a discreet meeting with Raj Thackeray in a Mumbai hotel, triggering speculation that the BJP might be trying to prevent the Thackeray cousins from joining forces. Sources suggest that Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray discussed the possibility of the MNS joining the BJP-led alliance and working out a seat-sharing arrangement.
Adding to the shifting political equations, Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena has also expressed interest in working with the MNS.
Raj Thackeray has previously signaled that reconciliation with his cousin could be possible for the larger cause of protecting Marathi interests. In a podcast earlier this year, he stated that personal differences between him and Uddhav were minor in the face of bigger challenges. “For a bigger cause, their fights and issues are trivial,” Raj Thackeray said, recalling how there had been no problem working together in the undivided Shiv Sena.
