With civic elections approaching in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray has used a joint interview with Raj Thackeray to highlight his central political message. The former CM of Maharashtra focussed on Maratha identity and unity, must rise above political differences, especially when civic leadership and cultural character are at stake.
The interview comes at a time when voting for 27 municipal corporations in the state is scheduled for January 15. While the reunion of the Thackeray cousins after nearly two decades has drawn attention, Thackeray’s remarks focused on what he described as a wider crisis facing Maharashtra.
Speaking in the interview, as reported by Loksatta, Uddhav stated that the coming together of the two leaders should not be viewed just as a tactical political move. He emphasised that the real meaning lies beyond individual equations and party disputes. He stated, “When we say we have come together, it is an emotional issue. But the meaning of this is that every Marathi person in Maharashtra should come together.” Thackeray also warned against internal divisions, stating, “If we create separate camps among ourselves, those who want to break Maharashtra will benefit,” as quoted by Loksatta.
‘Mumbai Mayor will be Marathi,’ says Uddhav Thackeray
Thackeray took a strong stand on Mumbai’s civic leadership. Restating his position, he said, “Mumbai’s mayor will be Marathi.” He questioned the BJP’s narrative that the mayor should be “Hindu”, asking whether Marathi people were not Hindu, as per a report by NDTV Marathi.
He followed his statement up with a series of questions, asking whether senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is Hindu and referring to Moraji Desai in the context of police firing during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Through these questions Thackeray sought to corner the BJP on what he described as an artificial divide between Marathi Hindu and Hindu identity.
Thackaray on linguistic identity
Uddhav also raised his concerns over Maharashtra’s cultural and linguistic identity. He alleged that the city’s culture is weakened. He claimed that some areas are being pictured as having non-Marathi languages and that Hindi is being imposed. He argued that keeping Mumbai only nominally within Maharashtra, while diluting its identity, is meaningless.
At the same point, Uddhav clarified that his position is not directed against people of other languages. He stated that the unity is calling for its justice and rights for Marathi people and not about denying space to others.