Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, both of whom stake claim to Bal Thackeray’s legacy, will be seen together after nearly two decades. The reason? The alleged “imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools.
Even as schools reopen across Maharashtra, the debate over Hindi imposition in primary education continues to stir political tensions. Despite opposition, the state government remains firm on implementing the three-language formula, prompting a united resistance from the estranged cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut posted on X that the two leaders will march together against the BJP’s “imposition of Hindi”.
जय महाराष्ट्र!
“There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!”
@Dev_Fadnavis
@AmitShah pic.twitter.com/tPv6q15Hwv
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 27, 2025
In a rare show of unity, both leaders have announced major protest marches in early July. Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will hold its rally on July 5, while Uddhav Thackeray will lead the Marathi Coordination Committee’s protest on July 7.
Raj Thackeray has urged people to join the march without any political flags, emphasising a unified Marathi identity over party affiliations. He also confirmed that his party is in touch with the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), raising speculation about a possible reunion of the Thackeray cousins. Across Maharashtra, political observers are asking: Is this the moment for a Thackeray truce?
Behind-The-Scenes Talks Underway
According to Mumbai Tak, Raj Thackeray has spoken with a key leader from Uddhav’s faction regarding the coordination of these protests. While the identity of the leader remains undisclosed, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut is expected to reveal details at a press conference soon.
Interestingly, Raj Thackeray initially announced July 6 as the protest date but changed it to July 5 just two hours later, reportedly at the suggestion of Uddhav’s faction, adding further fuel to speculation that the two camps are aligning their agendas.
Efforts To Merge Marches
Both parties have been actively exploring the possibility of holding their respective protests on the same day. Discussions are underway to either coordinate the marches or have members of one party join the other’s rally to project unity.
The rescheduling of Raj’s protest to July 5 is being seen as a gesture of reconciliation, possibly hinting at a larger political move between the Thackerays. Over the past few weeks, both Thackerays have expressed their willingness to come together “for the sake of the people of Maharashtra”.
