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**Summary:**

The show of unity between Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS) at a joint rally celebrating the reversal of a policy seen as imposing Hindi in Maharashtra has sparked speculation about a potential political reunification. While Uddhav has publicly expressed interest, Raj remains hesitant. A reunion would significantly alter Maharashtra’s political landscape, potentially hurting the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. Both Thackeray cousins have their own challenges: Uddhav’s party is facing defections, while Raj is seen as unpredictable and has struggled to gain significant electoral ground. The situation remains fluid, especially with upcoming Mumbai municipal elections on the horizon. Raj Thackeray has insisted the joint front was for the specific issue of protecting the Marathi language and identity, not necessarily a broader political alliance.

**News Article:**

**Thackeray Cousins’ Unity Rally Fuels Speculation of Political Reunion in Maharashtra**

**Mumbai, July 15, 2025** – A joint appearance by estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Raj Thackeray, head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has ignited rumors of a potential political reunification that could reshape the political landscape of Maharashtra.

The cousins, who haven’t shared a public platform in nearly two decades, addressed a “victory rally” on July 5th, celebrating the state government’s reversal of a controversial policy that would have made Hindi a third language in primary schools. The policy change was widely seen as an attempt to impose Hindi, which both leaders and their supporters opposed. The joint rally was viewed as a win for the Marathi language.

Uddhav Thackeray has publicly expressed a desire for a political reunion with his cousin, while Raj Thackeray has remained notably silent, instructing his party members to refrain from commenting on the matter. The suspense is building ahead of crucial Mumbai municipal corporation elections.

A reunification of the Thackeray factions would pose a significant challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena faction led by current Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who defected from Uddhav’s party in 2022, causing a major split. Mr. Shinde’s party hopes that the cousins will not patch up. The BJP is aware that Mr. Shinde will suffer a body blow if the Thackeray cousins come together.

Both Thackeray cousins face unique challenges. Uddhav’s party continues to struggle with defections and diminishing political strength. Raj Thackeray, while a charismatic leader, has been criticized for shifting political stances and has struggled to translate his popularity into significant electoral victories.

While Raj Thackeray has stated that the recent show of unity was solely focused on the issue of protecting Marathi identity and language, the prospect of a unified Thackeray front has sent ripples through the political establishment. Some analysts believe that a reunification could be a game-changer, impacting the BJP’s dominance in the state. The cousins, even when separated, have stood for regional chauvinism. “We are Hindus, not Hindis,” Raj Thackeray said, as a pitch against the ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’ plank of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He has warned against national integration through homogenisation and has batted for a separate cultural and linguistic identity for Maharashtra.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether this symbolic unity will translate into a lasting political alliance, altering the dynamics of Maharashtra politics.

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