Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is navigating a political storm as the recent reunion of Thackeray cousins—Uddhav and Raj Thackeray—over a Marathi language row amplifies tensions ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The controversy, sparked by the state’s now-scrapped proposal to mandate Hindi in school curricula, has reignited the emotive Marathi versus non-Marathi debate, putting Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction on the defensive.

The Marathi Language Row and Thackeray Reunion
The catalyst for the Thackerays’ reunion was their joint opposition to the Mahayuti government’s three-language policy, perceived as an imposition of Hindi. On July 5, Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) held a “victory rally” at Worli’s NSCI Dome, celebrating the policy’s rollback after widespread protests. Uddhav declared, “We have come together to stay together. We will capture power in the BMC and Maharashtra,” signaling a potential alliance for the civic polls. Raj, crediting CM Devendra Fadnavis for inadvertently uniting them, focused on Marathi pride, resonating with core voters.

This reunion, the first in 20 years since Raj split from Shiv Sena in 2005 to form MNS, poses a direct challenge to Shinde. Despite securing the Shiv Sena name and symbol after his 2022 rebellion that toppled Uddhav’s government, Shinde struggles to claim Bal Thackeray’s legacy against a united Thackeray family. The rally’s rhetoric, steeped in Marathi asmita (pride), has galvanized their base, with Sena (UBT) winning nine Lok Sabha seats in 2024 compared to Shinde’s seven, though his faction outperformed Uddhav’s in the Assembly polls with 57 seats to 20.

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Shinde’s FOMO and the Sarnaik Incident
Shinde’s unease was starkly evident when state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, a Shinde loyalist, attempted to join an MNS protest in Thane against the language policy. MNS workers heckled Sarnaik, labeling him a “traitor,” forcing him to leave. Sarnaik’s move, possibly unsanctioned by Shinde, reflects the pressure within Shinde’s camp to align with the Marathi cause, fearing Uddhav and Raj could monopolize it. Posts on X suggest Shinde’s faction worries that inaction risks alienating Marathi voters, while aligning with MNS protests could strain ties with BJP allies.

Shinde’s response to the Thackeray rally was measured but pointed. He praised Raj’s “solicitude for Marathi” but accused Uddhav of “bitterness” and a “thirst for power,” attempting to drive a wedge between the cousins. His reluctance to attack Raj outright indicates ongoing efforts to woo MNS, as seen in prior meetings between Shinde and Raj, including one in April 2025.

BMC Polls: A High-Stakes Battle
The BMC elections, due in 2025 after being stalled since 2017, are a prestige fight for both Sena factions. The BMC, India’s richest civic body with a budget surpassing some states, has been a Shiv Sena stronghold for over 25 years. In 2017, the undivided Sena won 84 seats, with BJP close behind at 82. A Thackeray alliance could consolidate the 30-35% Marathi vote in Mumbai, threatening Shinde’s urban base in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including strongholds like Worli, Mahim, and Thane.

Shinde’s alliance with the BJP, which won 132 Assembly seats in 2024 with a 26.77% vote share, complicates his appeal to Marathi voters. Sena (UBT) and MNS have accused the BJP of undermining Marathi interests, citing controversial remarks by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Shinde’s “Jai Gujarat” slogan at a rally with Amit Shah. Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut demanded Shinde resign or confront PM Modi and Shah, intensifying the “gaddar” (traitor) narrative against him.

Political Implications
The Thackeray reunion could reshape Maharashtra’s political dynamics. For Uddhav, it’s a chance to revive Sena (UBT) after electoral setbacks; for Raj, whose MNS drew a blank in 2024 with a 1.55% vote share, it’s a shot at relevance. A united front risks outflanking Shinde on Marathi pride and “soft Hindutva,” potentially denting his faction’s urban prospects. However, the BJP could benefit if non-Marathi voters—about 25% Hindi-speaking and 11% Gujarati in Mumbai—rally behind it due to the Thackerays’ regionalist rhetoric.

Shinde’s camp has dismissed the reunion as a political gimmick. Sarnaik claimed the Thackerays are eyeing BMC’s “money-minting machine,” alleging Marathi people were marginalized during their 25-year rule. Yet, Shinde’s anxiety is palpable, as a poor BMC showing could weaken his influence within the Mahayuti alliance, where BJP already dominates.

Challenges for the Thackerays
Despite the rally’s success, a Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance faces hurdles. Historical rivalries, differing organizational structures, and seat-sharing disputes could strain the partnership. Raj’s past flirtations with BJP and Shinde, including meetings with Fadnavis, raise doubts about his commitment, with some Sena (UBT) leaders remaining skeptical. Raj’s anti-migrant stance, notably against North Indians and mosque loudspeakers, risks alienating MVA allies like Congress and NCP (SP), who rely on minority votes.

Outlook
The Marathi language row has handed the Thackerays a potent issue to challenge Shinde and the BJP, with the BMC polls serving as a critical test. Shinde’s attempts to reclaim the Marathi narrative, as seen in Sarnaik’s protest misstep, highlight his vulnerability. While the BJP remains Maharashtra’s dominant force, a Thackeray alliance could disrupt its urban ambitions, though internal contradictions and voter polarization may limit its impact. As Mumbai gears up for the civic battle, the Thackerays’ unity and Shinde’s counter-moves will shape the fight for Bal Thackeray’s legacy.

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