Thackeray Cousins Uddhav and Raj Hint at Long-Term Alliance, Burying Two Decades of Political Rivalry

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Mumbai, 5th July 2025: Both Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray shared the stage at the Vijayi Melava held in Worli, hosted by their respective parties, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). The event marked a rare political unity, as the cousins came together to oppose the Maharashtra and Central Governments’ move to impose Hindi under the three-language formula, especially the proposal to teach Hindi in schools from Class 1. While the rally addressed this policy rollback, the bigger question that loomed was – what next? Both leaders hinted that this was not a temporary truce, but the beginning of a long-term alliance.

The Language Flashpoint

In April this year, the Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution (GR) mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language from Class 1 to 5 in all schools. Both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly opposed the move. Following their pressure, the government withdrew the Hindi clause on 17th June, stating that any Indian language could be chosen as the third language. However, the Thackeray cousins continued their protest, opposing the idea of introducing any third language from Class 1 itself.

They had announced a massive march on 5th July in Mumbai, but the government backtracked ahead of it, forming a committee to review the language policy. The protest march was thus converted into the Vijayi Melava, a celebration of their partial victory and a show of Marathi unity.

The Thackeray Split: A 20-Year Political Journey

This Melava became symbolic for another reason, the reunion of the Thackeray cousins after 20 years. Raj Thackeray had left the then-united Shiv Sena in December 2005, led by Balasaheb Thackeray. At the time, Raj had said, “All I asked for was respect; all I got was insult and humiliation. I wouldn’t wish such a day even on my worst enemy.” Uddhav, on the other hand, had attributed the split to a “misunderstanding.”

Even then, political circles speculated that the real reason was Balasaheb choosing his son Uddhav over Raj as his successor. From 2006 to 2022, the cousins’ rivalry peaked. Raj formed the MNS in March 2006, directly challenging Shiv Sena’s dominance. Both leaders clashed frequently on issues of Marathi identity, Hindutva, and political strategy. MNS initially performed well, especially in the 2009 Assembly elections, but later faded electorally. Raj accused Uddhav of compromising Balasaheb’s legacy, while Uddhav dismissed Raj’s attacks as opportunistic and politically driven.

Despite their differences, the cousins occasionally came together for family functions, hospital visits, weddings, and even Uddhav’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister in 2019. But in 2022, the Shiv Sena split again when Eknath Shinde rebelled, weakening Uddhav’s faction. MNS remained a minor force, while Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) faced strong challenges from both the BJP and the Shinde camp.

In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered setbacks, prompting introspection and opening the door to reconciliation. By early 2025, both cousins publicly expressed a willingness to unite “in the interest of Maharashtra,” signalling a significant thaw in their strained relationship.

And then came today’s defining moment, both leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder on stage.

Raj’s Vision for Unity

Raj Thackeray, speaking on the occasion, said, “Even though the government has withdrawn the decision to impose Hindi, we must remain vigilant. In the coming days, things may happen, what exactly, I do not know. But I believe that for the sake of the Marathi language, our unity must continue. I express my wish and expectation that Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream will once again be realized.”

Uddhav Drops Hint About Alliance

Uddhav Thackeray added, “Some people said the ‘M’ in our reunion stands for Municipal Corporation elections, not Maharashtra. They claim we will stay united only until the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. But the ‘M’ stands not just for municipal, but also for Maharashtra. We will show our strength together. First, they tried to divide us by saying ‘batenge to katenge’, thought they were fueling Hindu-Muslim tensions, but now they are attempting to divide the Marathi people. Never invite the BJP to weddings, they will eat, create conflict between the newlyweds, and then move on to the next wedding.”