News for 'Marathi Raj'

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismisses the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's parties as a move for political survival, asserting it won't significantly impact Mumbai's political landscape. BJP leader Ashish Shelar questions the motives behind the reunion, highlighting past criticisms and the Thackerays' changing stances.

Asha Bhosle: The Voice That Had No Expiry Date

Asha Bhosle: The Voice That Had No Expiry Date

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Words can barely capture the depth and beauty of Asha Bhosle's voice, at once ethereal and ineffable. Her demise has created a void but the songs she sang will never die.

Hindi row: Raj Thackeray threatens to shut down schools

Hindi row: Raj Thackeray threatens to shut down schools

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis against making Hindi compulsory in schools, threatening to shut them down. He accused the government of testing the people's response to eventually attach Mumbai to Gujarat.

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

Raj Thackeray issues gag order to MNS cadres

Raj Thackeray issues gag order to MNS cadres

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Amid the language controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has prohibited his party members from interacting with media or posting personal reactions on social media platforms.

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Police detained MNS leader Avinash Jadhav ahead of a rally planned in Thane to counter a protest staged by traders against the slapping of a food stall owner for not speaking in Marathi.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will unite for the cause of the Marathi language, as their parties will stage a joint protest against the 'imposition' Hindi and the state government's three-language formula for Classes 1-5.

Uddhav visits Raj's home on Ganesh Chaturthi

Uddhav visits Raj's home on Ganesh Chaturthi

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray visited MNS president Raj Thackeray on Ganesh Chaturthi, further fueling speculation of a potential alliance between the two parties ahead of local body elections.

Uddhav, Raj claim victory after Hindi order withdrawn

Uddhav, Raj claim victory after Hindi order withdrawn

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the Maharashtra government lost to the power of 'Marathi manoos' after it withdrew two GRs (government resolutions) on the implementation of Hindi, part of the three-language policy, in Classes 1 to 5 in state schools.

Why are Hindus being assaulted, asks Maha min amid Marathi row

Why are Hindus being assaulted, asks Maha min amid Marathi row

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

BJP leader Nitesh Rane criticizes MNS after alleged assault on a man for not speaking Marathi, sparking political controversy.

'We Will Bring The Two Brothers To Power'

'We Will Bring The Two Brothers To Power'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'Now there is no fight between us (Thackerays); now the fight is with them.'

PHOTOS: Raj-Uddhav reunite after 20 years

PHOTOS: Raj-Uddhav reunite after 20 years

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray reunited after 20 years.

BJP-Sena alliance breaches Thackerays' Mumbai citadel

BJP-Sena alliance breaches Thackerays' Mumbai citadel

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has made significant progress in challenging the Thackeray family's control over Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after nearly 25 years. The results mark a potential shift in Mumbai's civic politics, with the BJP emerging as a central force.

Uddhav's stand on alliance with Raj is 'MaNaSe': Raut

Uddhav's stand on alliance with Raj is 'MaNaSe': Raut

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Raut said Sena-UBT has a positive approach towards an alliance with MNS, which is pronounced 'Manase' in Marathi, while attempting to make a wordplay with the party's name.

If we can come together....: Raj Thackeray calls for unity within MNS

If we can come together....: Raj Thackeray calls for unity within MNS

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray urged party workers to end internal disputes, citing his reunion with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray as an example. He emphasized strengthening the party ahead of local body elections.

Nitesh Rane calls Uddhav-Raj rally 'anti-Hindu'; BJP leader differs

Nitesh Rane calls Uddhav-Raj rally 'anti-Hindu'; BJP leader differs

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane criticizes Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's joint rally, calling it divisive and anti-Hindu. Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar offers a more conciliatory view.

Amid MNS-Sena (UBT) alliance buzz, Fadnavis meets Raj Thackeray

Amid MNS-Sena (UBT) alliance buzz, Fadnavis meets Raj Thackeray

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and MNS head Raj Thackeray met at a hotel in Mumbai on Thursday morning.

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) confronted residents of a housing society in suburban Ghatkopar over allegations that Gujarati residents insulted Marathi-speaking families for eating non-vegetarian food. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked intervention from police and condemnation from a state minister. The MNS leader in the video accused the Gujarati residents of calling the Marathi-speaking families "dirty" for their food choices, a claim denied by a resident of the building. The incident highlights simmering tensions between language communities in Mumbai, particularly in the lead-up to civic elections.

Cong to 'welcome' alliance between Uddhav and Raj

Cong to 'welcome' alliance between Uddhav and Raj

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The Maharashtra Congress on Friday said it will welcome an alliance between the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) if it is in the interest of the state and to keep the 'communal' Bharatiya Janata Party away.

Raj Thackeray faces flak over remarks on Sardar Patel

Raj Thackeray faces flak over remarks on Sardar Patel

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Congress, AAP, and Patidar leaders in Gujarat have criticized MNS chief Raj Thackeray for his comments about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, demanding a ban on his entry to Gujarat and an FIR against him.

Will Uddhav-Raj union dent BJP's poll prospects?

Will Uddhav-Raj union dent BJP's poll prospects?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party has begun preparations for polls to the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as well as other major civic bodies including Pune and Thane, likely to be held later this year.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

Raj Thackeray drives to Matoshree to greet Uddhav on his birthday

Raj Thackeray drives to Matoshree to greet Uddhav on his birthday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Flanked by his party MP Sanjay Raut, Uddhav received his cousin at the entrance of the Matoshree bungalow, one of the most recognised landmarks in Mumbai.

MNS workers slap mall staffer for refusing to speak Marathi

MNS workers slap mall staffer for refusing to speak Marathi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

In a video which has gone viral on social media, the store employee is heard telling a customer, "I will not speak in Marathi, I will speak only in Hindi. Do what you want to do."

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray denies making remarks about a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the media of misquoting him. He clarifies his statements regarding a joint rally with Uddhav Thackeray.

Emotional talks underway: Raut on Uddhav-Raj alliance speculation

Emotional talks underway: Raut on Uddhav-Raj alliance speculation

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has stated that there are ongoing "emotional talks" between his party and the MNS, though no formal alliance has been announced. Raut clarified that Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has not set any preconditions for rapprochement with his cousin, MNS president Raj Thackeray. The speculation about a possible reconciliation began after Raj Thackeray expressed willingness to work with Uddhav in a podcast interview. However, the MNS spokesperson downplayed the significance of Raj Thackeray's remarks, emphasizing the need for the Sena (UBT) to support the MNS's agitation for Marathi language and people. Uddhav Thackeray, while open to reconciliation, has cautioned against working with those deemed "enemies" of Maharashtra, an apparent reference to the BJP and the Shinde-led Sena.

Was Ajit preparing to quit the NDA?: Fadnavis on NCP merger

Was Ajit preparing to quit the NDA?: Fadnavis on NCP merger

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

On reports of the BJP opposing the NCP merger, Fadnavis asserted that his party hasn't opposed anyone.

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS release a joint manifesto for Mumbai civic polls, promising free power, allowances for domestic helps, and property tax waivers.

Will ask PM to change IIT-Bombay's name, says Fadnavis

Will ask PM to change IIT-Bombay's name, says Fadnavis

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government, led by CM Devendra Fadnavis, will petition the central government to rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai, following controversy over a Union minister's remarks on the institute's name. The move comes amid political tensions and concerns about the city's identity.

We welcome who...: Aaditya reacts on Uddhav-Raj reunion

We welcome who...: Aaditya reacts on Uddhav-Raj reunion

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said his party responded to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's call for rapprochement and that seniors from that party should step up to take it forward. Thackeray said his party welcomes whoever is opposed to the anti-Maharashtra BJP. The statement follows speculation about a possible reconciliation between cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, who had a bitter parting of ways nearly two decades ago.

Raj Thackeray meets Fadnavis amid buzz of alliance with Uddhav

Raj Thackeray meets Fadnavis amid buzz of alliance with Uddhav

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray met CM Devendra Fadnavis, leading to speculation about political alliances. They discussed urban planning issues like parking solutions. The meeting follows a defeat for the Sena (UBT)-MNS panel in BEST credit society polls.

Uddhav, Raj meet for 2nd time in 2 weeks amid alliance buzz

Uddhav, Raj meet for 2nd time in 2 weeks amid alliance buzz

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The Congress party extends best wishes to the newly-elected Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, while recalling the words of the first Vice President, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on the importance of free criticism in a democracy.

No issues with Raj Thackeray if he stays away from...: Uddhav Sena

No issues with Raj Thackeray if he stays away from...: Uddhav Sena

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

An editorial in the Sena-UBT mouthpiece Saamana also claimed the possibility of rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray has rattled "Maharashtra baiters".

Maha civic polls: Mumbai set for high-stakes battle as campaigning ends

Maha civic polls: Mumbai set for high-stakes battle as campaigning ends

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Campaigning for the elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra has ended, with the battle for Mumbai's BMC taking center stage. Key political players are vying for control, with a focus on Marathi and Hindu voters.

Shinde irked by question over Raj-Uddhav reconciliation

Shinde irked by question over Raj-Uddhav reconciliation

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde displayed irritation when a reporter sought his reaction on the speculation of reconciliation between estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. The speculation of reconciliation between the two Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, has been fueled by recent statements from both leaders suggesting they could put aside past differences and work together for the benefit of Maharashtra. The question of whether this reconciliation will translate into a political alliance remains to be seen, but the possibility has generated significant buzz in the state's political landscape.

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress party experienced a significant decline in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning a mere 15 seats out of 227. Analysts attribute the poor performance to strategic missteps, infighting, and a failure to connect with voters amidst linguistic and religious polarization.

Buzz grows as Raj, Uddhav hint at political reunion

Buzz grows as Raj, Uddhav hint at political reunion

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

MNS leader Raj Thackeray has sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement with his estranged cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, suggesting their past differences are "trivial" and uniting for the greater good of "Marathi manoos" is not a difficult task. The comments come amid a political landscape in Maharashtra where the Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a tough battle to retain its stronghold in Mumbai in upcoming civic polls, with competition from the Shinde-led Sena and BJP.

Uddhav-Raj reunion: 'It's easier said than done'

Uddhav-Raj reunion: 'It's easier said than done'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Speculations about a rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray are gathering steam, but leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) acknowledge that personal ties and organisational synergy are significant hurdles that need to be overcome. While both parties have expressed a willingness to put aside "trivial issues" and unite, the prospect of a reunion is complex, involving family dynamics, ideological differences, and the potential for internal conflicts. The reunion buzz has come at a time when both parties are experiencing a political nadir, with the Sena (UBT) winning 20 seats and the MNS drawing a blank in the 2024 assembly polls. The prospect of the two cousins coming together has enthused supporters of both parties, but it might not be the case with a section of cadres and party leaders. Key concerns include seat-sharing agreements, potential conflicts in areas with strong bases for both parties, and ideological differences.

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

On the video posted on X MNS members can be seen slapping the shopkeeper, warning him to not disrespect Marathi.