Sat Jul 05 08:22:53 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Thackeray Cousins Reunite, Mock Fadnavis Over Language Policy Reversal**

**Mumbai, India – July 6, 2025** – In a significant political development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray shared a stage on Saturday, marking a reunion after nearly two decades of estrangement. The occasion was a victory rally celebrating the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back the controversial three-language policy in primary schools.

Raj Thackeray took the opportunity to take a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, joking that the CM had managed to achieve what even his own uncle, the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, could not – bringing the cousins together. “Chief Minister Fadnavis managed to do what Balasaheb Thackeray could not – bring me and Uddhav together,” Raj Thackeray quipped to a large gathering of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters.

Raj Thackeray last shared a stage with Uddhav in 2005. He then quit the Shiv Sena in the same year and formed the MNS in 2006.

Addressing the crowd in Marathi, Raj Thackeray asserted the power of the people, stating, “You may have power in the Vidhan Bhawan, we have power on the roads.” He attributed the government’s reversal on the three-language formula to the strong unity displayed by the Marathi-speaking population. He also issued a stern warning, saying, “Try to touch Maharashtra and see what happens.”

The Fadnavis government’s initial order, issued on April 16, had made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. Following public outcry, the government amended the policy on June 17, making Hindi an optional language. Raj Thackeray claimed the initial policy was a precursor to a plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.

Speaking about the reunion, Uddhav Thackeray confirmed a new era of collaboration. “One thing is clear, we have removed the distance between us,” he stated, adding that the symbolic coming together on stage was more significant than any individual speech. “We have come together and will stay together.” The Sena (UBT) chief also vowed to resist any attempts to impose Hindi on the state.

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