Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reacted positively to signs of reconciliation between estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, who appear to be putting nearly two decades of political rivalry behind them. The thaw in relations comes against the backdrop of growing discontent over the BJP-led state government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools under the National Education Policy (NEP).
“If the two come together, we will be happy about it, because if people settle their differences, it is a good thing. What else can I say about it?” Fadnavis said, when asked about the potential reunion of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders.
The controversial language policy, which mandates Hindi as a third language from Classes 1 to 5, has sparked a wave of criticism from regional parties, who argue it threatens the prominence of Marathi in its home state. Interestingly, this issue has emerged as the unlikely unifier for the Thackeray cousins, whose fallout in 2005 led to the formation of the MNS and a bitter rivalry that defined state politics for years.
In a recent podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj Thackeray hinted at a willingness to bury the hatchet for the sake of Maharashtra’s cultural and linguistic identity.
“When major issues arise, the disputes and quarrels between us are small. For Maharashtra and the Marathi people, the conflicts between us are insignificant,” Raj said, emphasising that collaboration was possible if both sides showed willingness.
Uddhav Thackeray responded to the overture with cautious optimism, echoing a similar sentiment of unity in the face of greater concerns. “I am also ready to set aside the small quarrels and come together in the interest of the Marathi community,” he said.
However, he issued a pointed caveat, seemingly aimed at Raj’s alliance with the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “First, decide that you won’t invite home and serve food to those who act against Maharashtra’s interests, and only then talk about the welfare of the state,” Uddhav said.
He further reminded his cousin of the political cost of backing the BJP. “When I was saying during the Lok Sabha elections that industries were being moved from Maharashtra to Gujarat, if there had been opposition at that time, then the BJP government wouldn’t be at the Centre today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut downplayed speculation of a formal alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), clarifying that there is currently “no alliance, only emotional talks” taking place.
Raut said the relationship between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray is one of family and shared history. “They are brothers. We’ve been together for years. That bond has never truly broken. Whether they come together politically will be their decision,” he said.
He further emphasised that Uddhav Thackeray has never laid down any formal conditions for unity. “Uddhav Ji has only expressed what the people of Maharashtra feel-that any party claiming to be a well-wisher of Maharashtra but aligning with those who damaged Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and hurt Maharashtra’s pride should not be trusted. Staying away from such forces is not a precondition but a reflection of public sentiment,” Raut said.
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