Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday responded to the unexpected Thackeray reunion rally, sarcastically thanking Raj Thackeray for crediting him with uniting the two political cousins after two decades.
“I am thankful to Raj Thackeray for giving me credit for bringing them together,” Fadnavis said, reacting to Raj’s tongue-in-cheek remark at the Worli victory rally, where the Maharashtra government was forced to roll back Hindi as a third language in schools.
During the rally, Raj Thackeray had quipped, “Uddhav (Thackeray) and I are coming together after 20 years… What Balasaheb Thackeray could not do, thousands others couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis managed to do that.”
While the rally was organised to celebrate Marathi identity, Fadnavis criticised Uddhav Thackeray for veering into political territory. “It was a victory rally for the Marathi language, but Uddhav Thackeray chose to speak about politics and how he was ousted from power. He is speaking out of frustration, as they have nothing to show despite ruling the BMC for over 25 years,” he said.
Fadnavis defended his government’s record, stating: “In contrast, we have brought development to the city and worked relentlessly for the Marathi Manoos in Mumbai.” He further emphasized: “We are proud to be Marathi but also believe in the inclusive Hindutva.”
The rally marked a major political moment, with Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray sharing the stage for the first time in 20 years. Their sons, Amit Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, also came together, symbolizing a new chapter in their political alliance.
Uddhav’s fiery speech included a bold declaration: “Yes, we are goons; if we have to be goons to get justice, we will do goondagiri,” as he emphasized protecting Marathi pride. He also added: “We have come together to stay together.”
Raj Thackeray, meanwhile, took aim at the Maharashtra government’s now-withdrawn language policy, saying, “The decision had been taken without consulting education experts. Just because you have power you wanted to force this.” He added, “While the Maharashtra government has legislative power, it is the Thackeray clan that has ‘power on the street’.”
The event has sent ripples across Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially ahead of upcoming elections.