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Huge crowds thronged the Worli NSCI dome on Saturday to join in the Marathi Victory Rally celebrations held there by the Thackeray cousins, Raj and Uddhav. With the venue completely packed, many supporters had to watch the programme on screens installed outside.

From 9.30 am onwards, Marathi-speakers were seen assembling at the venue, chanting slogans in support of Uddhav and Raj. People arrived there from not just the city but across MMR and other parts of the state. Youngsters sang Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha while carrying placards on the language row. 

Around 10.30 am, the auditorium gates were shut to prevent overcrowding. Heavy police bandobast was observed inside and outside, and traffic police, too, were deployed in heavy numbers to ensure minimal disruption of vehicular movement. Despite that, due to the sheer number of people headed to the venue, arriving by the busloads, traffic was stalled between Atria Mall and the dome. 

Ameya Sawant, a supporter of both Thackeray cousins, said, “The response to the programme has been so tremendous that I’m sure the people in power will take note and not try to take the Marathi Manoos for granted. Today both the Thackeray brothers have shown everyone what the Marathi manoos is capable of. I hope they stay together and fight not just the upcoming BMC elections, but also the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.”

Shiv Sainik Mangesh Shinde said, “We are all happy that the cousins have come together. The auditorium is full, which clearly shows that the Thackeray brand is still powerful. Balasaheb must be extremely happy wherever he is; he loved Uddhav and Raj Saheb equally.”