Thackeray Sons Pose With Raj, Uddhav As Sena UBT, MNS Unite Over Hindi Language Row: WATCH
Aaditya and Amit Thackeray share stage as Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS unite in Mumbai rally after Maharashtra scraps Hindi language GRs, signaling a major political shift.
In a rare and emotionally charged moment that could redefine the political landscape of Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray appeared together on stage for the first time in two decades. Their reunion, marked by warm embraces and rousing applause, unfolded at a joint rally held in Mumbai's Worli—signaling a potential new chapter in state politics.
Adding to the symbolism, their sons—Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray—also shared the stage, standing united as representatives of the next political generation.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's son and party leader Amit Thackeray also present at the stage where both parties are holding a joint rally after the… pic.twitter.com/ACD5u9aOaD
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025
This show of solidarity comes shortly after the Maharashtra government scrapped two government resolutions (GRs) to introduce Hindi as the third language in schools—sparking widespread debate over the status of Marathi in the state. The decision has reignited tensions around regional identity and linguistic pride, with both parties now taking a firm stance in defense of Marathi.
"We Have Come Together to Stay Together"
Addressing the massive crowd at the “Vijay Sabha” rally, Uddhav Thackeray made his intentions clear: the former rivals are now allies.
"Raj and I have come together to stay together," Uddhav declared, promising to seize power in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and later, across Maharashtra. His words were met with chants, cheers, and a sea of waving party flags under the glow of thousands of mobile flashlights at the NSCI Dome.
The sight of the two Thackerays side by side—once divided by ideological and personal rifts—was nothing short of historic for supporters who had waited years for this reunion.
Raj Thackeray Sparks New Controversy Amid Marathi Language Row
Even as the rally offered a hopeful glimpse of political unity, controversy wasn't far behind. Just hours before the event, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly vandalized the Mumbai office of economist Sushil Kedia amid ongoing protests over Marathi language rights.
Raj Thackeray later addressed the incident with a provocative statement that’s now stirring fresh debate.
“Whether it's a Gujarati or anyone else—they must know Marathi. But there’s no need to beat people over it. Still, if someone creates unnecessary drama, then yes—hit them below the ears. But don't record it,” he said, as quoted by ANI. “Let the person who was beaten say so; you don’t need to go around announcing it.”
His remarks, laced with both cultural pride and a thinly veiled threat, have drawn criticism from multiple quarters, even as they galvanize his core supporters.
Political Theatre, Emotional Resonance
The rally wasn't just political theatre—it was an emotionally resonant moment for many in Mumbai. The glow of thousands of mobile flashlights created an almost cinematic atmosphere as Uddhav and Raj stepped into the spotlight together, greeted with thunderous applause and chants of unity.
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