‘Thanks for the credit’: Fadnavis responds with sarcasm as Thackeray cousins reunite over Marathi pride

Fadnavis also criticised Uddhav Thackeray for turning a cultural event into a political stage. “It was a victory rally for the Marathi language, but Uddhav Thackeray chose to speak about politics and how he was ousted from power,” he said.

“He is speaking out of frustration, as they have nothing to show despite ruling the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for over 25 years. In contrast, we have brought development to the city and worked relentlessly for the Marathi Manoos in Mumbai,” Fadnavis added.

“We are proud to be Marathi but also believe in the inclusive Hindutva,” he said, underscoring the BJP’s ideological stance.

Raj and Uddhav reunite at Worli rally for Marathi pride

The sharp political exchange followed a high-profile reunion of the Thackeray cousins, who came together on the same platform for the first time in 20 years. The rally was held to oppose the Maharashtra government’s now-reversed plan to introduce Hindi as a third language in state-run schools.

Raj Thackeray took the opportunity to mock the government and praise the power of the Thackeray name. “Uddhav and I are coming together after 20 years… What Balasaheb Thackeray could not do, thousands of others couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis managed to do that,” he said.

“We are goons if needed”: Uddhav’s fiery vow

In a charged speech, Uddhav Thackeray didn’t hold back, saying, “Yes, we are goons; if we have to be goons to get justice, we will do goondagiri.” His comment was aimed at defending the Marathi identity and opposing what he termed the “imposition” of Hindi.

Uddhav also declared, “We have come together to stay together,” referring to his alliance with cousin Raj.

“Thackerays have power on the street,” says Raj

MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticised the state government for taking decisions without public consultation. “The decision had been taken without consulting education experts. Just because you have power, you wanted to force this,” he said.

He warned that if the Hindi language push had gone unchallenged, “the next step would have been an attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.”

Raj added that while the government holds legislative power, it is the Thackerays who hold power on the street.

A political thaw after two decades of rift

The reunion of Raj and Uddhav marks a turning point in Maharashtra’s political landscape, coming decades after a fallout during Bal Thackeray’s leadership, when Uddhav was chosen to lead Shiv Sena, sidelining Raj. The fallout eventually led to the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).