Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray stood together on stage in Mumbai after 20 years. The rally in Worli on Saturday marked a rare public reunion. Supporters celebrated the moment as historic. However, the event quickly triggered political heat, especially from the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti.

Shinde Criticises Uddhav’s Speech

Soon after the rally, Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde slammed Uddhav Thackeray. According to him, Raj spoke sincerely about Marathi pride, but Uddhav's tone was bitter and power-hungry.

“Raj reflected genuine concern for the Marathi language. In contrast, Uddhav's speech was filled with bitterness, jealousy, and a desperate craving for power and position,” Shinde stated.

Shinde Alleges Betrayal of Marathi Cause

Furthermore, Shinde accused Uddhav of ignoring real issues facing Marathi people. “He raised no issue concerning the Marathi Manoos,” he said. Shinde also recalled Uddhav’s 2019 alliance with Congress and NCP. “He betrayed the people's mandate and the cause of Hindutva,” Shinde added. Moreover, he alleged that Uddhav had insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the event.

BJP Reacts Sharply to Anti-Hindi Remarks

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale criticised the rally’s anti-Hindi tone. He said, “Love for Marathi can be understood, but the feeling of opposing the Hindi language is not right.”
Additionally, he warned MNS workers against aggressive tactics. “Bullying can be answered with bullying. Beating someone is wrong,” he added.
Athawale also urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take firm action.

Shelar Calls it a Political Drama

Likewise, State Minister Ashish Shelar dismissed the event as political theatre. He said it was not about culture but about regaining power. “This was not a rally for the love of language but public appeasement of a brother once thrown out of the house,” he remarked.
According to him, the Thackerays reunited out of fear of the BJP’s strength in civic polls.

Fadnavis Replies With Sarcasm

Soon after, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to Raj Thackeray’s remark that “Fadnavis did what Balasaheb couldn’t.” He replied sarcastically, “I express my gratitude to Raj Thackeray that he gave me the credit for the coming together of both the brothers.”
He further mocked the event: “I was told that there would be a victory rally, but there was also a speech of 'rudaali'.”
Moreover, he criticised the lack of any strong stand on Marathi issues during the event.

Rally Celebrates Hindi Policy Rollback

The rally came just days after the Maharashtra government rolled back its decision to make Hindi compulsory from Class 1 to 12. Both cousins used this moment to unite in the name of Marathi identity.

Uddhav declared, “We have come together to stay together. We will together capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra.”
The packed audience at NSCI Dome welcomed the announcement with loud cheers.

Raj Uses Humour to Address the Reunion

Raj began his speech with a joke. “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t—he brought us together,” he quipped.

Both leaders accused the BJP of undermining Marathi culture through language policies. Raj warned that such moves could lead to “separating Mumbai from Maharashtra.”

What Lies Ahead for the Thackerays?

Clearly, the Thackeray cousins aim to reshape Mumbai politics. While Uddhav’s party has seen falling support, Raj’s MNS has been struggling for relevance.

Together, they may now try to challenge the BJP in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Saturday’s rally could be the start of a powerful new front in Maharashtra politics.