Thackrey cousins hint at reunion; Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts
PTC News Desk: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded positively to the apparent reconciliation between estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, who seem ready to move past nearly 20 years of political rivalry. This shift in their relationship comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP-led state government's move to mandate Hindi as a compulsory third language in schools under the National Education Policy (NEP).
The Thackeray cousins have sent a strong message to the people of Maharashtra, emphasizing that the state's interests and the preservation of Marathi culture take precedence over political differences. Speaking at separate events, both leaders suggested that reuniting could be beneficial for the state. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray remarked that their disagreements were "minor" and ultimately harming the Marathi community.
"The disputes and fights between Uddhav and me are minor -- Maharashtra is much bigger than all that. These differences are proving costly for Maharashtra's existence and the Marathi people. Coming together is not difficult. It's a matter of will. It's not just about my desire or selfishness," Raj Thackeray said, adding that he would not let his ego come in between if the state wants them to come together.
"If the two come together, we will be happy about it, because if people settle their differences, it is a good thing. What else can I say about it?" Fadnavis said, when asked about the potential reunion of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders.
The contentious language policy requiring Hindi to be taught as a third language from Classes 1 to 5 has drawn sharp criticism from regional parties, who claim it undermines the status of Marathi in its own state. Notably, this issue has unexpectedly brought the Thackeray cousins closer, despite their split in 2005—which resulted in the creation of the MNS—and the intense political rivalry that followed and shaped Maharashtra’s political landscape for years.
- With inputs from agencies
