Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), reunited after nearly 20 years at the NSCI Dome in Worli on Saturday, July 5.. Celebrating the reversal of Hindi imposition in Maharashtra, they shared the stage at the 'Aawaz Marathicha' event, reinforcing the importance of Marathi culture with their supporters.
While addressing the crowd, Raj Thackeray and the former Maharashtra CM explained the reason of conducting the rally in Worli, instead of Shiv Sena's traditional ground 'Shivaji Park' in Dadar.
Highlights Of Raj Thackeray's Speech:
The MNS chief stressed that his aspirations for Maharashtra go beyond political competition, recalling their reunion after two decades. Raj Thackeray credited Devendra Fadnavis for bringing them together.
MNS Chief said, "I had said in one of my interviews that my Maharashtra is bigger than any politics and fight. Today after 20 years, Uddhav and I have come together. The work that Balasaheb could not do was done by Devendra Fadnavis... the work of bringing both of us together...'
At the combined Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS event, the siblings embraced and exchanged congratulations. Raj questions the advocacy for Hindi, asking why Maharashtra should embrace it when states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan are not progressing.
He stated, 'Minister Dada Bhuse came to me and requested me to listen to him, I told him that I will listen to you, but I will not agree. I asked him what will be the third language for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. All Hindi speaking states are behind us and we are ahead of all Hindi speaking states, yet we are being forced to learn Hindi. Why?'
He acknowledged Hindi as a language but supported Marathi, remembering how the historical Maratha rule didn’t force their language on anyone else. He cautioned against efforts to weaken Marathi culture, especially concerning plans to detach Mumbai from Maharashtra. He stated, 'I have no objection to Hindi, no language is bad. A lot of efforts have to be made to create a language. During the Maratha Empire, we Marathi people ruled many states, but we never imposed Marathi on those parts. They started the experiment of imposing Hindi on us and were trying to test that if we did not oppose it, they would separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.'
Regarding education, Raj noted that achieving success in politics is not exclusively reliant on the language of instruction, referencing his educational history compared to that of well-known political figures. He remarked that proficiency in Marathi is crucial for all individuals in the state, but stressed that those who do not speak it should not be subjected to mistreatment.
Highlights Of Uddhav Thackeray's Speech:
Uddhav Thackeray remarked on the upcoming anticipations from their collaborative event, emphasising that their togetherness and appearance on stage convey significant meaning.
“Since this program was announced, people were waiting eagerly for what we would say,” Uddhav said. “But I believe that our unity and this shared stage are more powerful than our words. Raj Thackeray has already delivered an outstanding speech, and I don’t feel the need to add anything further.”
He brushed aside critiques of Hindutva in his party, reminding critics of Balasaheb Thackeray's key role in Maharashtra's foundation. He supported his followers, emphasizing their traditional role in safeguarding all Hindus during communal riots and insisting that their dedication to justice ought not to be viewed negatively.
In a fiery address at the joint Vijay Sabha, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray hit back at critics questioning the Hindutva credentials of his party and supporters.
“You have already used us enough,” Uddhav said, directing his remarks at the ruling Shiv Sena faction. “If it wasn’t for Balasaheb Thackeray, no one would have even known you in Maharashtra. Who are you to teach us Hindutva?”
He went on to say, “When riots broke out in Mumbai, Marathi people protected every Hindu, regardless of background. And if standing up for justice makes us ‘gundas,’ then yes — we are gundas.”
In the end, both leaders came together and called up party workers as well as leaders of other parties along with Aditya and Amit Thackeray sons of the duo, who stood in support and shared the view of Maharashtra to honour Maharashtra's linguistic pride and reinforce their political beliefs while preserving their cultural heritage. The program ended with national anthem.
