Mumbai: In a significant development in Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came together after 20 years to host a joint rally in Mumbai’s Worli area on Saturday. Titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’, the rally was held to celebrate the rollback of two government resolutions that had made Hindi a compulsory third language in state-run schools.

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However, the political reunion was swiftly criticised by leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who questioned the intent behind the rally and labelled it a desperate move to regain political relevance ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

BJP terms rally 'jihadi' and 'anti-Hindu'

Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane stirred controversy by branding the Thackeray-led rally a "jihadi gathering."

“We are Hindus and also proud Marathi. The way jihadis attempt to divide our society, these people are doing the same. Be it the banned PFI or SIMI who work against the idea of a Hindu Rashtra, these two (Thackerays) are no different,” Rane told ANI.

He also said the rally was "anti-Hindu" and accused the Thackerays of trying to weaken the state.

BJP’s Mumbai unit criticises ‘appeasement’ politics

Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar echoed the sentiment, calling the rally a panic response to declining support:

“With the municipal elections approaching, the panicked Ubatha Sena has suddenly remembered brotherhood,” he posted on X, using a mocking term for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan also weighed in, stating that the rally had little to do with language and more to do with recovering lost political ground.

“They have not come together for language, but for selfish motives,” Paswan said. He also warned against political parties using identity-based divisions for electoral gain.

A rare show of unity — and rare support from within BJP

The rally marked the first public appearance by the Thackeray cousins together in over two decades. Their event focused on opposing the previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government’s policy mandating Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra’s schools.

Amid criticism, senior BJP leader and former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar took a more conciliatory stance.

“The two brothers should unite and stay united. If necessary, their parties should even consider merging,” he said, adding that their unity was welcome and deserved best wishes.

Background and context

The two Thackerays have had a history of political rivalry, especially after Raj Thackeray split from the Shiv Sena in 2006 to form the MNS. Their reunion has reignited speculation about a potential alliance—or at least a ceasefire—in their long-standing feud.

The civic elections in Mumbai, one of India’s most politically charged municipalities, are due later this year, making this rally a high-stakes event for regional political equations.