In a rare display of unity, Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, president of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), shared a public platform after two decades at a mega "victory" rally in Mumbai. The rally celebrated the Maharashtra government's decision to roll back the three-language policy in primary schools, a move hailed as a victory for Marathi language and identity.

The event, held at the NSCI Dome in Worli, which falls within the assembly constituency of Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, drew significant attention, especially with upcoming local body elections, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, on the horizon. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are known for their strong advocacy of Marathi language and culture. The last time the two leaders shared a stage was during the Malvan assembly bypoll campaign in 2005, after Narayan Rane, former Chief Minister, left the undivided Shiv Sena. Raj Thackeray then left Shiv Sena in 2006 to form MNS.

The rally was organized in response to the state government's initial decision to implement the three-language policy, which included making Hindi a compulsory subject for students in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. This decision, outlined in a Government Resolution (GR) issued on April 16, faced immediate backlash from opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, who criticized it as an imposition of Hindi. Following the protests, the government amended the GR on June 17, making Hindi an optional language. However, the opposition persisted, and the state cabinet eventually withdrew both GRs entirely on June 29.

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray stated that the government backtracked after witnessing the unity of Maharashtrians and wanting to prevent them from uniting. Claiming victory, both decided to hold a victory celebration on the same day.

Both parties decided not to use party symbols, including party flags, banners, poll symbols, hoardings and scarfs during the event. Besides the Thackerays, key leaders of Maha Vikas Agadi are also likely to attend the event. Both parties have also invited all organisations that protested against Hindi imposition to take part in the rally.

Political analysts believe that if the cousins were to form an alliance, the Shiv Sena (UBT) would not need help from the Congress and NCP - Sharadchandra Pawar to retain its hold on the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.