Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to Share Stage After 20 Years at Mumbai Rally

In a significant political development, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will come together today for a joint rally in Worli — their first public appearance together in nearly two decades since their political split.

The rally, titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of the Marathi), is being held at the NSCI Dome in Worli as a show of unity against the Mahayuti government’s recent — and now withdrawn — decision to mandate Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra’s primary schools. The move had drawn sharp criticism from both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, as well as prominent voices from civil society.

Political Reunion on the Horizon?

Political observers suggest that this rare joint appearance could signal a thaw in relations between the Thackeray cousins, potentially paving the way for a renewed alliance ahead of upcoming local body elections. Both parties are reportedly using the rally to test the waters for future collaboration.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders have worked in tandem to mobilize large crowds and ensure a grand spectacle. Though the NSCI Dome seats around 8,000 people, a significantly larger turnout is anticipated. LED screens have been installed outside the venue and across various localities to allow more people to join the event virtually. Marathi filmmaker Ajit Bhure will anchor the program.

“We’ve built a massive stage with the map of Maharashtra as a backdrop, and the slogan ‘Awaj Marathicha’ above it. Around 6,000 chairs have been arranged, and tents and LED screens have been set up outside and along Annie Besant Road,” said MNS leader Yashwant Killedar, who added that traffic diversions may be necessary due to expected crowd volume.

Groundwork and Symbolism

Senior leaders Anil Parab (Shiv Sena UBT) and Bala Nandgaonkar (MNS) have overseen rally preparations throughout the week. Local leaders have been instructed to set up additional LED screens in their areas to broaden participation.

Symbolic posters featuring Uddhav and Raj Thackeray alongside their uncle and Shiv Sena founder, the late Bal Thackeray, have been put up across Mumbai — especially in Shiv Sena bastions like Lalbaug, Dadar, Parel, and Worli. Teaser videos circulating on social media portray the cousins as lions uniting to battle a pack of hyenas, underlining the rally’s assertive Marathi pride messaging.

Banners bearing slogans like “Who brings the government to its knees? Marathi manoos” and “Unity of Marathi people is the need of the hour” further reinforce the event’s broader political undertones.

“The Marathi mandals have responded positively. A Jai Jawan Govinda Mandal will form a human pyramid at the venue,” said MNS western Mumbai chief Kunal Manikar.

Allies and Absentees

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar hinted at the political significance of the rally, saying, “Though it is centered around the Marathi cause, this could be the beginning of a renewed alliance ahead of the local polls.”

Vinayak Raut, another Sena (UBT) leader, said, “People from across Maharashtra are coming to see the two brothers together. Leaders from allied parties like Jayant Patil (NCP-SP), CPI, and CPM will also attend.”

However, key Opposition leaders Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP chief) and Harshwardhan Sapkal (Congress state president) are not expected to attend the rally, though party representatives will be present.

As the rally unfolds, it could mark not just a cultural assertion, but a major political recalibration in Maharashtra politics — one rooted in legacy, language, and the enduring symbolism of unity in the Thackeray name.