Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a rare show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray are set to share the stage today at a grand rally in Mumbai’s Worli — two decades after parting ways following a bitter power struggle.
The rally, titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ (Voice of Marathi), has been jointly organised by the two parties as a mark of protest against the state government’s earlier move to mandate Hindi as a third language in primary schools. The controversial decision was recently rolled back following stiff opposition from both leaders and several intellectuals.
Held at the NSCI Dome in Worli, the event is expected to draw crowds beyond the venue’s 8,000-seat capacity. LED screens have been installed both outside the auditorium and across Mumbai to allow people to tune in live. The venue has been transformed with a grand stage featuring the map of Maharashtra, over 6,000 chairs, and tents surrounding the dome. “Traffic on Annie Besant Road may be affected due to the turnout,” said MNS leader Yashwant Killedar.
The event will be anchored by Marathi filmmaker Ajit Bhure and will also feature cultural performances like a human pyramid by the Jai Jawan Govinda Mandal.
Massive banners and digital teasers — including symbolic visuals showing the Thackeray cousins as lions — have been placed in key areas like Lalbaug, Parel, Dadar, and Worli, reinforcing messages of Marathi pride and unity. One popular slogan reads: “Unity of the Marathi people is the need of the time and our real strength.”
Senior leaders like Anil Parab (Shiv Sena UBT) and Bala Nandgaonkar (MNS) have been closely coordinating the arrangements. Both leaders reportedly held detailed meetings to ensure the success of the event.
While speculation is rife that this could signal a political reunion ahead of local body polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar hinted, “Though the rally is focused on Marathi identity, it may mark the beginning of a renewed alliance between the cousins.”
Prominent allies of the Opposition, including Jayant Patil (NCP – SP), CPI, and CPM leaders are expected to attend. However, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal are not attending personally but will be represented.
As crowds begin to gather and political watchers eye the rally closely, the question on everyone’s mind is clear — could this symbolic moment lead to a larger political consolidation in Maharashtra?
