Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to share stage after 20 years
What's the story
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray will share a stage for the first time in two decades. The joint rally, organized by their parties, will celebrate the withdrawal of government resolutions related to the three-language policy. The event is being held at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai, which falls under Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray's assembly constituency.
Political significance
Historic reunion of Thackeray cousins
The rally is a rare political reunion of the Thackeray cousins, who have been at loggerheads for years. The last time they shared a stage was in 2005 during the Malvan assembly bypoll campaign. Raj had left Shiv Sena that year to form MNS in 2006. The event is also politically significant as it comes ahead of local body elections, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Policy rollback
Why this rally is being held
The rally comes in the wake of protests against a government resolution (GR) issued on April 16 by Maharashtra's BJP-led Mahayuti government. The GR made Hindi a compulsory third language for students from Classes I to V in English and Marathi medium schools. After facing backlash, the government amended the GR on June 17, making Hindi optional. On June 29, both GRs were completely withdrawn.
Event details
No party flags, symbols at rally
Despite the political weight of the rally, no party flags, symbols, hoardings or scarves will be displayed. The parties have invited other political groups that opposed the GRs and members of literary and art communities to attend. However, Congress has decided not to attend despite supporting opposition against mandatory Hindi. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar also announced his absence due to prior commitments.
Controversial incidents
Controversies involving MNS and Shiv Sena
The rally comes after recent controversies involving both parties. MNS workers were caught on camera beating up a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi. In another incident, two people were forced to apologize to a man in front of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare for allegedly assaulting him. "Speak in Marathi since you have hit a Marathi person," said a voice as one of the two men tried to speak to Vichare, who is a former Thane MP.