Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray sent out a message of Marathi unity during the inauguration of the annual Deepotsav celebration, hosted by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Shivaji Park. “Marathi unity will certainly bring happiness and light into people’s lives and homes,” Uddhav said in his brief, minute-long address at the Dadar playground on Friday. A few years back, then Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had inaugurated the festival.
In 2005, citing differences with Uddhav, Raj had quit Shiv Sena (undivided) and floated the MNS. But, as the Mahayuti government tried to push Hindi language for Std I to Std V in Maharashtra schools, the Thackeray cousins came together for the “cause of Marathi” and forced the government to roll back the decision.
Subsequently, on July 5 this year, Uddhav and Raj announced that they were burying their past differences and would now work together for the cause of Marathi and Maharashtra — a move that is reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape and alliances.
Friday marked the first time that Uddhav and cousin Raj Thackeray came together for the Deepotsav celebration at Shivaji Park. Every year, the MNS organises the Deepotsav celebration during Diwali at Shivaji Park. This is the 13th year of the celebration. Besides the Thackeray cousins, their entire families came together for the event.
