Marking a historic moment in Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray shared the stage on Saturday, July 5, 2025, for the first time in nearly two decades. The rally, titled *‘Awaj Marathicha’*, was held at the NSCI Dome in Worli and drew thousands of enthusiastic Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS supporters, symbolizing a renewed unity in the Thackeray family and the larger Marathi political landscape.
Declaring the new alliance’s intent, Uddhav Thackeray said, *“We have come together to stay together.”* He vowed that the two parties would work hand-in-hand to reclaim power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra. The rally was organized to celebrate the rollback of two controversial Government Resolutions (GRs) that had mandated Hindi as a third language in state schools from Class 1 — a move that faced strong opposition from Marathi groups and political leaders alike.
Speaking in a lighter tone, Raj Thackeray quipped, *“Devendra Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t—he brought Uddhav and me together.”* The joke, met with cheers, underscored the significance of the reunion. But Raj’s tone soon turned serious as he warned that the now-withdrawn language policy was just the beginning of a larger plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.
*“The government rolled back the decision only because of the powerful show of unity by Marathi people,”* Raj said, adding that this unity must continue to protect Maharashtra’s cultural and linguistic identity. He emphasized that leaders in South India, despite having English-medium backgrounds, remain deeply connected to their regional languages—something Maharashtra must learn from.
Referring to their father, Raj added, *“Balasaheb studied in an English school, worked at an English newspaper, but never compromised on the status of Marathi.”*
The rally witnessed a massive turnout, with hundreds of supporters reportedly breaking through the main gate to enter the venue. Police were later forced to reinforce barricades and restrict further entry to maintain order.
The Worli constituency, represented by Uddhav’s son and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, was decked with hoardings featuring both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. LED screens were installed across Mumbai and the MMR to allow more people to witness the event. Banners calling for permanent unity between the Thackeray cousins for the cause of the *Marathi manoos* were seen throughout the city.
While the Congress, an ally of Shiv Sena (UBT), chose not to attend the rally, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal clarified that his party supported the protest against the imposition of Hindi. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar also skipped the event due to prior engagements. However, the NCP (SP) confirmed that working president Supriya Sule and MLA Jitendra Awhad would represent the party at the gathering. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar had personally invited NCP (SP) leaders to attend the event.
The joint rally marks a significant turning point in Maharashtra politics, as two influential cousins and their respective parties signal a possible long-term alliance in defense of Marathi identity and regional autonomy.