In a historic moment for Maharashtra’s political landscape, Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray have set aside their long-standing differences to deliver a powerful message of unity against their common adversary, the BJP. This unprecedented gathering took place at the Orly Park Auditorium in Mumbai, where the two leaders stood side by side, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among Marathi people.The backdrop of this reunion is steeped in political history. The Shiv Sena, founded by their late father Bal Thackeray in the 1960s, has seen its identity and electoral symbol, the bow and arrow, slip away from their control. This shift occurred when Eknath Shinde, a former second-tier leader of the party, aligned with the BJP three years ago, effectively taking over the party’s legacy. Recent election results indicate that a important portion of Shiv Sena’s voter base has also shifted to Shinde’s faction.Against this backdrop,Uddhav and Raj’s joint appearance at the event celebrating the resistance against Hindi imposition sends a clear message: they are ready to fight together for the Marathi identity.
Previously, the two leaders had shared a stage on November 17, 2024, during a non-political event commemorating Bal Thackeray’s second death anniversary. However, Saturday’s gathering marked a significant political statement, with raj Thackeray even extending courtesy to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, hinting at a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political narrative. This moment not only signifies a potential shift in alliances but also reflects the evolving dynamics of regional politics in India.
