Wed Jul 02 02:50:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on that summary:
**Summary:**
After two decades of separation, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are set to share a public stage. This historic reunion is scheduled for July 5th at the NSCI Dome in Worli, celebrating “Marathi Vijay Diwas.” The event marks the victory following the Maharashtra government’s withdrawal of controversial resolutions on the three-language policy in schools, a policy opposed by both parties. The joint celebration, titled ‘Marathicha Awaaz,’ signifies Marathi unity. However, the reconciliation has sparked criticism from BJP MP Narayan Rane, who accuses Uddhav Thackeray of exploiting Raj for political gain after having previously pushed him out of the Shiv Sena. These accusations are being dismissed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav.
**News Article:**
**Thackeray Cousins to Reunite After 20 Years in Display of Marathi Unity**
**Mumbai, July 2, 2025** – In a significant political development, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, leaders of rival factions of the Shiv Sena, are set to share a public platform for the first time in two decades. The joint appearance will take place on July 5th at the NSCI Dome in Worli to celebrate “Marathi Vijay Diwas.”
The event marks the victory of the Marathi community following the Maharashtra government’s recent withdrawal of controversial government resolutions regarding the implementation of a three-language policy in state-run schools. The proposed policy, which would have introduced Hindi from Class 1, faced strong opposition from both the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The joint celebration, titled “Marathicha Awaaz,” aims to highlight Marathi unity and pride. An invitation released by the two parties features the names of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray as co-hosts, emphasizing the collective victory. “Marathi mothers, sisters and brothers, did we make the government bow down? Yes, we did make the government bow down! This celebration will be yours,” the invitation reads.
While the reunion is being hailed as a sign of regional strength, it has drawn criticism from within the political sphere. BJP MP Narayan Rane, a former Chief Minister, has accused Uddhav Thackeray of exploiting Raj for political gain, pointing to Uddhav’s past actions that led to Raj’s departure from the original Shiv Sena. “Has Mr. Uddhav forgotten how he harassed Raj, causing him to quit the party? Now he is trying to butter him up in the name of brotherhood,” Rane stated on social media.
Bhaskar Jadhav, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), dismissed Rane’s claims, questioning his credibility and political consistency.
The upcoming event is anticipated to be a major display of support for Marathi identity and a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The public will be watching closely to see if this newfound unity between the Thackeray cousins will translate into a stronger political force in the state.
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