Thackeray Cousins Reunite in Mumbai Rally, BJP and Shinde Camp Call It ‘Desperate Power Grab’

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited after 20 years at a Mumbai rally, vowing to fight together for Marathi identity and upcoming civic polls. The BJP and Eknath Shinde slammed the event as a “desperate” power play, accusing the Thackerays of political opportunism and ignoring real issues facing Marathi citizens.

A dramatic political development unfolded in Mumbai as estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a public stage for the first time in two decades. Their reunion, at a packed “Awaj Marathicha” rally on Saturday, celebrated the Maharashtra government’s rollback of mandatory Hindi in schools and signaled a joint campaign for the upcoming Mumbai civic polls.

However, the event drew sharp backlash from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused Uddhav of delivering a speech “full of jealousy and desperation,” claiming it lacked substance on Marathi issues and was driven solely by a “hunger for power.” He further said Uddhav betrayed Marathi pride and Hindutva by aligning with Congress and NCP in 2019.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale warned the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) against adopting anti-Hindi stances, urging restraint and stating that “bullying” in politics could backfire. State minister Ashish Shelar mocked the event as a “family reunion” disguised as a language protest, alleging it was aimed at regaining control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sarcastically responded to Raj Thackeray’s comment praising him for uniting the cousins, saying he was grateful for the "credit" and blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray. He also criticized the rally for lacking substance and accused the Thackerays of failing to serve Mumbai despite controlling the BMC for 25 years.

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Despite the criticism, both Uddhav and Raj signaled long-term unity, vowing to defend Marathi identity and challenge what they called the BJP’s attempts to dilute regional culture. Uddhav declared, “We have come together to stay together,” while Raj warned of growing threats to Mumbai’s place in Maharashtra.