In a significant political development, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have presented a united front, issuing a stern warning about the future of Maharashtra. They have emphatically stated that the state's pride and integrity are under direct threat, pointing fingers at the Bharatiya Janata Party and its leadership.
A Rare Show of Unity
The two leaders, who have often been political rivals, came together for an interview where they voiced shared concerns. Uddhav Thackeray, the president of the Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, the chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), argued that the current political climate is dangerously fragmented. They stressed that this internal division creates a vulnerable situation for the state.
The Core Warning: A Divided State is a Weak State
The central message from the Thackeray cousins was clear and alarming. "If we continue to be divided, the forces that want to break up Maharashtra will take advantage of the situation and benefit from it," they declared. This statement, made in an interview on 08 January 2026, serves as a direct critique of the ruling BJP's strategy, which they imply fosters such divisions. They did not mince words, asserting that the very essence of Maharashtra is at stake due to these political maneuvers.
Political Implications and Future Course
This joint appearance signals a potential shift in Maharashtra's complex political landscape. By slamming the BJP collectively, the Thackerays are attempting to consolidate a Marathi and regionalist vote bank against the national party. Their call for unity is as much a political strategy as it is a warning. The interview, reported by Mrityunjay Bose, underscores the high-stakes battle for the state's political soul, suggesting that the coming period may see increased opposition consolidation around the issue of regional identity and autonomy.
The leaders concluded with an implicit call to action for their supporters and the people of Maharashtra, urging them to recognize the perceived threat and prioritize the state's unity above political differences. The date of the interview, 08 January 2026, now marks a pivotal moment of alignment between two of the state's most influential regional voices.
