Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray appeared on the same stage together after nearly 20 years this Saturday. They hinted at a possible alliance for upcoming municipal elections. While addressing the victory rally at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray said, 'Now that we have come together, we shall remain together. Together, we will achieve the leadership of Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra.' The rally was organized to protest the imposition of the Hindi language and to celebrate the government's decision to retract the Government Resolution (GR).
Additionally, senior leader and MP Sanjay Raut explained that it is the public that has united Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. He emphasized that discussions about contesting elections together will happen. 'We are still a part of the India Alliance; however, local elections are distinct. Strategies might differ, and unique alliances could be formed,' he stated.
Speaking about Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s collaboration, Sanjay Raut commented on the familial reunification that could potentially extend to politics. Regarding rival Shinde, he dismissed claims of acknowledging his faction: 'Those folks are entirely dependent on Amit Shah and the BJP. Despite numerous attempts at instigation, they will meet failure.' On the topic of Muslim voters, he remarked that they needn't worry, as they have everyone’s support.
Displeasure over Hindi 'Imposition'
Raj Thackeray humorously mentioned how Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis achieved what even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn't, that is, reuniting the two brothers. He argued that the three-language policy is truly aimed at separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. He warned that after language, the next issue will be about caste, pointing out the BJP's 'divide and rule' strategy. Dismissing critics’ opinions about his son Amit Thackeray and Uddhav's son Aditya Thackeray attending convent schools, he highlighted that even Bal Thackeray studied in an English-medium school but never compromised on Marathi.
Schism following Shinde’s Insurrection
It's noteworthy that a significant rift in Shiv Sena arose following Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022. In the previous assembly elections, the Uddhav faction secured 20 seats, while Shinde's won 57. Raj Thackeray's MNS didn't win any seats. As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal elections approach, the reunion of the Thackeray brothers on the political stage is seen as a significant turning point in Marathi politics.
