In a strategic shift ahead of the Mumbai civic polls, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray appear to be reuniting. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday hinted at a thaw in their long-standing rivalry, announcing that the two leaders will now jointly lead a protest on July 5 in Mumbai against what they call the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra’s school curriculum.

Amid the growing uproar over Maharashtra’s new three-language policy in schools, Raj and Uddhav are gearing up to intensify their resistance. The policy is widely perceived as a veiled attempt to enforce Hindi on students across the state.

Raut also shared photos of the Thackeray cousins, signalling a rare show of unity. While both parties had initially planned separate protests, they have now decided to march together, marking a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

“There will be one unified march against making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted on X.

जय महाराष्ट्र!

"There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!"
⁦@Dev_Fadnavis⁩
⁦@AmitShah⁩ pic.twitter.com/tPv6q15Hwv