A momentous political event is unfolding in Maharashtra today, with Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who have been estranged for two decades, uniting on one stage in the name of Marathi identity. Speculations are rife: Could this reunion signify the dawn of a new political alliance in Maharashtra, known for its dynamic political landscape? This reunification was facilitated by the proposed three-language policy in the new education policy. Both leaders resisted, connecting it to Marathi identity and arguing that the central government is trying to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states.
This joint protest by MNS and Shiv Sena-UBT compelled the ruling Maha Yuti government to backtrack, leading to the suspension of the three-language policy. A grand rally organized by MNS and Shiv Sena-UBT will be held at NSCI Dome, Worli on July 5 at 10 AM to celebrate this victory of Marathi unity. The gathering is expected to include diverse participants such as Marathi writers, poets, teachers, editors, and artists. The leaders of both Uddhav Sena and MNS have meticulously planned the Victory Rally to draw a large crowd.
Party presidents or state heads participating in the rally will join Raj and Uddhav Thackeray on stage. Nevertheless, it appears that NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal will not attend despite invitations from MNS. MNS sources reveal communication with Harshavardhan Sapkal was impossible due to his unavailability. Sharad Pawar, though present in Mumbai, is unlikely to join the Victory Rally. The Worli Dome can accommodate between 7,000-8,000 attendees, and LED screens have been installed inside and outside to ensure clear visibility of on-stage activities for everyone present.
Additional crowd accommodation outside the Worli Dome is facilitated with LED screens, while the ruling party casts doubt over this reunion. BJP MP Narayan Rane contends that the Thackeray brothers' unity is driven more by the upcoming municipal elections rather than Marathi pride. Moreover, Ramdas Kadam from Shiv Sena (Shinde) claimed that many Marathis were compelled to leave Mumbai during the near-thirty-year rule of Uddhav's Shiv Sena-UBT over BMC. In contrast, MNS leader Prakash Mahajan holds hope for a positive sign of unity among Marathi people.
Faced with challenging political circumstances, the July 5 rally has sparked widespread interest among Maharashtra's political actors. Could this reunion pave the path for a comprehensive rapprochement to fortify their stance in Maharashtra’s competitive political environment? With the state's keen observation, the Victory Rally at the Worli Dome could prove more than just a celebration—it may become a decisive moment for the Thackeray brothers and Maharashtra’s political future. It's anticipated that MNS and Uddhav Sena might collaborate for the forthcoming BMC Election.
