After a separation of two decades, Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray shared a stage at a public rally in Mumbai today. The reunion occurred at a "victory rally" that celebrated Marathi unity and language.

The rally was organized in response to the Maharashtra government's decision to retract its plan to make Hindi a mandatory third language in primary schools. The Thackeray cousins jointly opposed the proposed three-language formula, which led the government to put the policy on hold. The rally was seen as a celebration of this triumph of Marathi unity.

The event took place at the NSCI Dome in Worli and was expected to draw a large and diverse crowd of Marathi enthusiasts, including writers, poets, educators, editors, and artists. The Worli Dome has a seating capacity of 7,000-8,000 people. To accommodate the large turnout, LED screens were installed inside, outside, and along nearby roads to ensure visibility for all attendees. Additional outdoor LED screens were also set up to accommodate overflow crowds.

This rare coming together of the Thackeray cousins has sparked speculation about a potential new political alignment in Maharashtra. The cousins have been estranged for two decades, since Raj Thackeray formed his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The reunion marks a notable shift in the political landscape and a potential thaw in the longstanding rivalry between the Thackerays.

The rally was promoted as a non-partisan event focused on Marathi pride and unity. Organizers emphasized that the event was not affiliated with any particular political party.

News reports indicate that the rally commenced on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Mumbai.