Mumbai, Maharashtra (July 5, 2025): Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray shared the stage publicly for the first time in two decades at the “Awaz Marathicha” victory rally at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai. The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw two Government Resolutions that aimed to introduce Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools. After the rally, members of the Thackeray family gathered for a group photograph. NCP MP Supriya Sule called Aditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray to the front of the stage. Holding their hands, she placed Aditya beside his uncle Raj and guided Amit next to Uddhav. The moment drew loud cheers from the crowd.
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During his address, Uddhav Thackeray said, “We have come together to stay together.” He said the joint appearance was more important than any speech. “Everyone was waiting to hear us speak, but Raj has already delivered an outstanding speech. There is no need for me to add more,” he said.
The former Maharashtra chief minister also took aim at the BJP-led Centre and state government, alleging that key establishments and businesses were being moved from Mumbai to Gujarat. “They ask what we did for Marathi people in Mumbai during our time in the BMC. But in the last 11 years of your rule, what have you done? You have sent businesses to Gujarat. You are breaking the backbone of Maharashtra,” Uddhav said.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray said what Balasaheb Thackeray could not do, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis did by uniting the cousins. “I said earlier that my Maharashtra is bigger than any politics or fight. After 20 years, Uddhav and I are together again,” Raj said.
He criticised the government’s attempt to impose Hindi on young children, calling it unjust and forced. “This was done without any discussion. You may rule the assembly, but we rule the streets,” he said.
The Maharashtra government had issued orders on April 16 and June 17 making Hindi compulsory for students from Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. Following widespread backlash from regional parties, cultural groups and opposition leaders, the government revoked both resolutions this week. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a committee will now be formed to review the three-language formula in the state.