Massive Turnout as Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Share Stage

In a dramatic display of political unity, thousands of supporters from both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) gathered in Mumbai on Saturday, 5 July, as Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a public platform for the first time in nearly 20 years. The rally, held at the NSCI Dome in Worli, witnessed massive crowds pouring in from across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The event, titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’, was billed as a victory celebration after the Maharashtra government rolled back two controversial government resolutions (GRs) that had proposed making Hindi a compulsory third language from Class 1 in state-run schools.

Overwhelming Crowds and Security Challenges

The turnout was so overwhelming that hundreds of workers forcibly breached the main entrance gate, prompting police to restore control by reinstalling barricades and deploying additional security personnel. “Supporters of both parties broke open the main gate in their enthusiasm. The gate has since been secured to prevent any further breach,” a police official said.

Symbolism and Sentiment

Posters and hoardings featuring both Thackeray cousins adorned Worli—especially significant as it is the home constituency of Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and son of Uddhav Thackeray. Banners were also displayed across the city, urging Uddhav and Raj to remain united “for the cause of the Marathi manoos.” To accommodate the overflow crowd, LED screens were installed across various parts of Mumbai, allowing supporters to view the event in real time. The atmosphere within the NSCI Dome was described as electric, as workers from both factions cheered the rare show of unity.

Allies Keep Their Distance

Despite their alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) banner, both the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) were notably absent from the event. State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal confirmed that his party would not attend, although it supported the broader opposition to imposing Hindi on young students. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, citing prior engagements, said he would not be attending either. However, party working president Supriya Sule or senior MLA Jitendra Awhad were expected to represent the NCP (SP) at the event, as per state president Jayant Patil. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar is believed to have personally extended invitations to the NCP (SP).

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies