Thackeray cousins set to share stage at Worli rally over Marathi pride, sparking speculation of political reunion ahead of local body polls
Mumbai, July 5: In a landmark moment for Maharashtra politics, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will reunite publicly after two decades at the ‘Awaj Marathicha’ rally in Worli today. Once divided by a bitter power struggle, the Thackeray cousins are joining forces to protest the now-reversed decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in state primary schools. Their shared platform signals not just cultural solidarity, but also a potential political realignment ahead of upcoming local body elections.
A Show of Marathi Unity with Political Undertones
The rally, themed “Voice of the Marathi,” is being positioned as a celebration of Marathi identity and resistance, but political observers see it as a possible precursor to a renewed Thackeray alliance, especially with local body elections looming later this year. The event is being hosted at NSCI Dome in Worli, where both parties are pulling out all stops to showcase strength and solidarity.
According to a Sena (UBT) leader, although the auditorium has a capacity of 8,000, the expected turnout will far exceed that number. LED screens and tents have been installed around the venue, and Marathi filmmaker Ajit Bhure will anchor the evening.
Massive Preparations Underway
MNS leader Yashwant Killedar shared that the rally will feature a grand stage designed with a map of Maharashtra, nearly 6,000 chairs, high footpath-mounted LED screens, and extensive traffic control, including potential closure of Annie Besant Road due to crowd overflow.
Senior leaders Anil Parab (Shiv Sena UBT) and Bala Nandgaonkar (MNS) have overseen the logistical planning throughout the week. Functionaries and local leaders have been instructed to set up LED screens in key neighborhoods, ensuring widespread viewership beyond the venue.
Powerful Symbolism and Social Media Buzz
Social media teasers depict Uddhav and Raj as lions battling a pack of hyenas, evoking imagery of strength and unity. Banners showing the cousins alongside their uncle and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray have been strategically placed in Lalbaug, Parel, Dadar, Worli, and across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Prominent messages on these banners include:
“Who brings down the government to its knees? Marathi manoos.”
“Unity of the Marathi people is the need of the time and real strength for us.”
Cultural Elements and Political Guests
MNS’s Western Mumbai chief Kunal Manikar confirmed that Jai Jawan Govinda Mandal will perform a human pyramid at the venue as part of the cultural festivities.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said, “Though the rally is for the cause of Marathi, it could be the beginning of a renewed political alliance between the cousins ahead of the local body polls.”
Vinayak Raut, another Sena (UBT) leader, added that attendees from across Maharashtra are expected and that allied leaders including Jayant Patil (NCP-SP) and leaders from CPI and CPM will be present.
While Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) and Congress state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal are not expected to attend in person, their party representatives will join the rally in support.
A Defining Moment for Maharashtra Politics?
With both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray sharing the stage, the ‘Awaj Marathicha’ rally may go down as a defining moment, not just in the fight for Marathi linguistic pride, but also in reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape as regional leaders realign and re-strategize ahead of upcoming elections.