Thackeray Brothers To Share Stage At Worli Dome For ‘Marathi Vijay Melava’

July 5, 2025: In a historic reunion, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are set to share the stage after two decades of political distance. The occasion: a massive rally in Mumbai on Saturday morning to celebrate the “triumph of Marathi unity” and publicly oppose the controversial three-language formula proposed by the Mahayuti government.

The rally, organized jointly by Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), will take place at the Worli Dome at 10 a.m. It’s expected to draw thousands of Marathi language advocates, including writers, educators, artists, poets, and cultural figures. Organizers say the dome, with a capacity of 7,000 to 8,000, will be supplemented with LED screens outside and along nearby roads to accommodate overflow crowds.

A Rare Political Spectacle

Raj and Uddhav’s joint appearance is more than symbolic. It marks a potential political recalibration in Maharashtra as civic polls loom, especially in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — India’s richest municipal body. Their last public appearance together was over 20 years ago, before Raj split from the Shiv Sena and formed the MNS.

The Thackeray cousins have been united in their opposition to the state government’s now-shelved language policy, which would have mandated Hindi, English, and Marathi in all schools. After mounting pressure and protests, the Mahayuti government put the proposal on hold — a decision seen as a political win for the opposition.

Not Everyone’s on Board

Despite the united front, not all opposition leaders are attending. Invitations were extended to NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Harshavardhan Sapkal, but both are expected to skip the event. MNS insiders say Sapkal is unavailable, while Pawar, though in Mumbai, is unlikely to attend.

The BJP, meanwhile, has dismissed the rally as political theatre. BJP MP Narayan Rane accused the Thackeray cousins of using linguistic pride to “secure political relevance” ahead of the BMC elections. Ramdas Kadam of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) went further, blaming Uddhav’s previous leadership for allegedly driving Marathi-speaking communities out of Mumbai.

Cultural Unity or Political Strategy?

Despite criticism, MNS leader Prakash Mahajan called the event a “turning point” and a hopeful sign for the cultural and political unity of the Marathi community. “This rally is not just about language — it’s about identity, pride, and reclaiming space,” he said.

As Maharashtra’s political climate continues to shift, Saturday’s rally could mark the beginning of a new alliance — one rooted in cultural pride but with clear electoral undertones.