The political landscape of Maharashtra has often been defined by the towering presence of the Thackeray family. At the heart of this dynasty are two prominent figures: Raj Thackeray, the charismatic nephew of the late Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, and Uddhav Thackeray, Bal Thackeray's son, who served as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Their journey, initially intertwined within the Shiv Sena, took a dramatic turn when a schism emerged, driven by political succession and differing ideologies. However, recent events suggest a possible reconciliation, fueled by a shared commitment to Marathi pride.
The roots of the division can be traced back to the early 2000s, as Bal Thackeray's health began to decline. Both Raj and Uddhav were seen as potential heirs to the Shiv Sena legacy. Raj, known for his fiery oratory and mass appeal, was initially perceived as the natural successor. However, in 2003, Bal Thackeray appointed Uddhav as the working president of the Shiv Sena, signaling his preference for his son. This decision triggered simmering tensions within the party, as Raj's supporters felt marginalized and sidelined.
The breaking point arrived in 2005 when Raj Thackeray announced his departure from the Shiv Sena. Citing "insult and humiliation," he accused certain individuals within the party of whispering in Bal Thackeray's ear and undermining his position. In 2006, Raj launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), positioning himself as a champion of Marathi identity and regional pride. The MNS initially gained traction, particularly with its focus on the 'Marathi Manoos' agenda, but its influence gradually waned over subsequent elections.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray led the Shiv Sena, navigating the complex world of Maharashtra politics. He took over as chief editor of Saamana in 2006 and resigned in 2019 before becoming chief minister of Maharashtra. After Bal Thackeray's death in 2012, Uddhav assumed the mantle of leadership, guiding the party through various alliances and political shifts. In 2019, he became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leading the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government. However, his tenure was cut short in 2022 when a faction led by Eknath Shinde defected, leading to the collapse of his government.
Despite their political divergence, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray have consistently invoked Marathi pride as a central tenet of their ideologies. Both leaders have championed the cause of the 'Marathi Manoos', advocating for the protection of Marathi language, culture, and interests in Maharashtra. This shared commitment has served as a common thread, even as they pursued different political paths.
In recent times, there have been growing indications of a possible rapprochement between the estranged cousins. The catalyst for this renewed unity appears to be a shared concern over the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra's schools. The Maharashtra government's decision to introduce Hindi as a mandatory option for students from Class 1 has sparked widespread opposition, with both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray leading the charge.
On July 5, 2025, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray are slated to lead a joint march in Mumbai to protest the state government's three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a mandatory third language for primary school students. This event emphasizes Marathi identity, with no political flags, aiming for unity and cultural pride among Marathi people. This move is seen as more than just the estranged cousins coming together. Raj Thackeray had originally announced a protest for July 6, but he rescheduled the date to July 5.
This convergence marks a significant moment in Maharashtra politics, signaling a potential shift in dynamics. Whether this newfound unity will translate into a long-term political alliance remains to be seen. However, it underscores the enduring power of Marathi pride as a unifying force, capable of bridging even the deepest divides within the Thackeray family.
