A common enemy seems to have been enough to put all their differences to rest, as the Thackeray cousins — Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav and MNS chief Raj — shared the stage for the first time in nearly two decades on Saturday. The estranged cousins were all smiles and camaraderie at Marathi Victory Rally held at NSCI Dome in Worli on Saturday to celebrate the government rolling back its decision to introduce a three-language system in schools across Maharashtra.
There were speculations that this was a back-door push to Hindi under the guise of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Speaking first at the rally, Raj set the tone with a jibe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP, for reuniting the cousins. “What Balasaheb could not do, Fadnavis did,” the MNS chief said. Raj, however, did not directly slam the BJP or Shiv Sena for not opposing the imposition of Hindi. Neither did he make any direct reference to deputy CM Eknath Shinde for saying “Jai Gujarat” at an event in Pune on Friday.
The camaraderie was also apparent between Raj’s son Amit (left) and Uddhav’s son Aaditya
The Thackeray scions claimed they had united for the sake of Maharashtra and the Marathi identity. While Uddhav signalled a possible political shift in the state, Raj chose to keep his cards close to his chest, not hinting at any electoral alliance with the UBT in the future. In his 27 minutes address, though, Raj alleged that “introduction of three languages, especially Hindi, was just a test to see how people react. Had it been successful, the next step would have been separating Mumbai from Maharashtra”. He warned that any such attempt would face strong resistance. “We are silent, that does not mean we cannot react in a fierce manner,” said the nephew of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray.
‘English-medium waale’
Following the Thackerays’ opposition to the three-language format, BJP leaders shot back that Raj and Uddhav’s children have studied in English-medium schools.
Raj countered that even his uncle Balasaheb and father Shrikant Thackeray studied in English schools. “No matter which medium one studies in, the commitment and love for the language [mother tongue] needs to come from within,” Raj fired back.
Raj stated that with the Marathi people now united, a different politics would emerge. “After seeing the unity of Marathi, one cannot rule out the possibility of attempts to divide Maharashtrians along caste lines,” he warned.
More clout together?
This joining of hands by MNS and UBT (Sena) is seen by many as an attempt to revive their relevance, and the Thackeray brand, by consolidating Marathi votes.
Addressing the rally, Uddhav described the moment as historic. He stated that Raj had explained the situation so well that there was very little to add. “They tried to break our bond. But, today we stand united. This is the unity of Marathi and Maharashtra. The unity is here to last for long and unseat those [BJP and Eknath Shinde] who have played divisive politics and have always adopted a use-and-throw approach. Now we [Raj and Uddhav] will throw them out,” said Uddhav.
As for the Marathi vs non-Marathi debate, Uddhav referred to the early 1990s’ Mumbai riots and serial blasts. “Shiv Sainiks were on the frontlines when it came to the protection of Marathi and non-Marathi communities alike. This Marathi and non-Marathi divide is crafted by those who want to benefit from the division of votes,” he said, citing examples of Gujarat and Haryana, where Patels and Jaats were seen divided on caste lines.
“They [BJP] are trying to conflate Hindi, Hindu, Hindutva. We are not against any language. But, imposition of Hindi will not be tolerated. We will only follow and accept Hindu and Hindutva,” clarified the son of Balasaheb Thackeray.
Vandalism over Marathi row
MNS workers on Saturday vandalised the Mumbai office of entrepreneur and investment analyst Sushil Kedia, a day after he posted on social media claiming he had lived in the city for 30 years without learning Marathi. Tagging MNS chief Raj Thackeray, he had dared the party to act against him.
‘Balasaheb must be blessing me’
Reacting to Raj Thackeray’s potshot, CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “If I am being credited for reuniting the brothers, then Balasaheb must surely be blessing me from above.” Meanwhile, deputy CM Eknath Shinde praised Raj and slammed Uddhav, stating: “One is really fighting for the cause of Marathi pride, while the other is simply fighting for power.”
