Last Updated:
While a murder case and succession tussle are said to have led to their breakup in 2005, twenty years later, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray are ready to unite for “Marathi pride”.
Uddhav Thackeray (R), along with his cousin Raj Thackeray (L), performs the last rites of his father and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in Mumbai on November 18, 2012. (Image: AFP/File)
The Thackeray cousins are coming together after years of being rivals. While a murder case and succession tussle are said to have led to their breakup in 2005, twenty years later, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are ready to unite for “Marathi pride”. The brothers will lead a joint protest rally on July 6 to oppose the “forced imposition of Hindi language” in Maharashtra schools and to demand stronger safeguards for the Marathi language.
There have been signs of the brothers patching up in the Maharashtra political circles for a while. Even as none of them has spoken of a reconciliation on a bigger political stage yet, MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) functionaries have been seen engaging cordially at multiple forums, sparking speculation of a potential tie-up that could reshape Marathi politics in the city. If that happens, it would be history in the making of sorts for not just the two parties but for the entire Maharashtra polity.
What Led To The Thackerays’ Break-Up?
The Ramesh Kini murder scandal (1996)
Raj Thackeray faced serious allegations in the death of Ramesh Kini in Pune, triggering a high-profile CID and then CBI investigation. Kini, a film distributor, died under mysterious circumstances after reportedly facing pressure related to a dispute involving a theatre owner close to Raj. Kini was found dead inside a theatre in Pune. His death, reported to be under mysterious circumstances, triggered a political storm in Maharashtra with the man’s wife Sheela alleging that Raj Thackeray had a hand in it.
Though Raj was eventually cleared of wrongdoing, the case triggered public outcry and a CBI probe, damaging his reputation. The controversy gave his rivals within Shiv Sena, particularly Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, an opportunity to sideline him during key leadership transitions.
Succession tussle after Bal Thackeray’s declining health (early 2000s)
Balasaheb Thackeray’s cadres backed Uddhav as his heir, naming him Shiv Sena’s working president in 2003—a move that overshadowed Raj, who felt marginalised despite his public popularity Following Uddhav’s rise, Raj’s supporters claimed biased candidate selections and internal ignoring of their role. The friction peaked when Raj felt personally humiliated—leading to his dramatic break on November 27, 2005, declaring, “All I had asked for was respect…”
Divergent ideological strategies
Post-split, Uddhav repositioned Shiv Sena with inclusive appeals like the “Me Mumbaikar” campaign, while Raj formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), launching aggressive Marathi-centric and anti-migrant campaigns — taking Balasaheb’s legacy in a more hardline direction.
What The Brothers Have Said About Each Other
Over the years, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray’s relationship has witnessed sharp criticism of each other by the two. Tensions have flared between the brothers from time to time. In 2011, Raj and Uddhav were embroiled in a war of words over potholes in Mumbai and wildlife photography. “Compared to such namak haram animals, it is better to photograph loyal animals in the jungle,” Uddhav had said after Raj suggested he focus on city potholes rather than wildlife photos.
In 2017, after several MNS corporators rejoined Shiv Sena, Raj had accused Uddhav of “dirty politics,” warning him, “I will never forget it … henceforth there will be no clapping … but only slapping.”
In 2023, Uddhav accused Raj of parroting pre-written scripts, saying “Raj Thackeray is just reading from script given to him.”
And, in 2022, after Uddhav’s government fell in the state, Raj tweeted a pointed metaphor: “When anyone misunderstands one’s good fortune as one’s personal accomplishment, therein begins the journey towards one’s decline.”
Cut To 2025
The current status of their relationship seems to less bitter and more about olive branches, keeping everyone guessing if it’s time for the brothers to get back together politically. In a recent podcast with Mahesh Manjrekar, he stated, “The disputes and fights between Uddhav and me are minor — Maharashtra is much bigger than all that… Coming together is not difficult, it’s a matter of will.”
He also emphasised, “If Maharashtra wants us to come together, let Maharashtra speak up… I don’t let my ego get in the way of such matters”
Uddhav has reciprocated with conditional openness. At a public gathering, he stressed, “I’m ready to put aside petty disputes… But anyone who acts against Maharashtra’s interests — I will not welcome them, invite them home, or sit with them. Let this be clear first.”
He reiterated, “The differences are trivial. I am ready to keep it aside. Maharashtra is my priority.”
What Is Bringing The Thackerays Together?
The Maharashtra government issued an order mandating that Hindi be “generally” taught as a third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. The order was revised mentioning Hindi as “optional” if 20 students opt for another Indian language.
But the Thackeray brothers saw red. “The BJP is trying to create divisions based on language. This is a language emergency,” said Uddhav, clarifying that while his party isn’t against Hindi, it opposes its forced imposition. Raj Thackeray criticised the three-language formula, accusing the government of diluting Marathi’s importance.
The two are now ready to share stage on July 6 for their joint protest against the “imposition of Hindi language” in Maharashtra schools. The plan initially involved Raj Thackeray leading a rally on July 6 and Uddhav Thackeray organising a separate march on July 7. But following backchannel discussions, a single massive rally will now be held on July 6 to demonstrate a united front.
Will this united front go beyond July 6? All eyes will be on the Thackerays as they keep Maharashtra guessing.
Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and…Read More
Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and… Read More
- First Published: