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Raj and Uddhav Thackeray set to reunite after 20 years for Marathi victory rally in Mumbai

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will reunite after 20 years at a rally in Mumbai celebrating the rollback of Hindi’s mandatory inclusion in primary education, marking a symbolic moment of Marathi unity.

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In a major political development ahead of local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are set to share the stage after two decades at a “mega victory rally” in Mumbai. The event, organised to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s rollback of the controversial three-language policy, will be held on Saturday at NSCI Dome in Worli — the assembly segment of Aaditya Thackeray.

The cousins, once close and now political rivals, are coming together over a shared cause — the promotion and protection of the Marathi language. The state government recently withdrew its decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools, following strong protests from regional parties and civil society groups.

Rare reunion comes amid political downturn for both parties

This marks the first time since 2005 that Uddhav and Raj will be seen together on a public platform. Their last appearance was during the Malvan assembly bypoll campaign, shortly before Raj Thackeray quit Shiv Sena and formed the MNS in 2006.

While the event is officially devoid of party symbols, banners, or flags, the political undertone is clear. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are looking to regain lost ground after poor performances in the 2024 state assembly polls. The Sena (UBT) secured only 20 seats, while MNS failed to win any.

Opposition unity, but with visible gaps

While the event calls for wider participation, including literary and artistic circles, key allies like the Congress and NCP (SP) have taken cautious stances. Congress has chosen not to attend but reiterated support for the protest against Hindi imposition. NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar will skip the rally due to prior engagements, although Supriya Sule or Jitendra Awhad may represent the party.

The BJP-led Mahayuti government initially mandated Hindi as the third language in April through a government resolution (GR), but growing backlash led to an amended version in June, making it optional. On June 29, facing mounting protests, the state cabinet finally revoked both GRs, which the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS consider a major win.

Ground support and symbolic gestures ahead of rally

On the eve of the rally, a wave of celebration swept through Thane. Workers from both parties distributed sweets, played traditional drums, and set up large hoardings of the Thackeray cousins. In a symbolic gesture of unity, members of the Koli community held special prayers at the Aai Ekvira Temple in Thane, wishing for lasting peace and unity between the two leaders.

Despite the recent controversies involving MNS and Sena (UBT) activists — including incidents of coercion over language use — the rally is expected to serve as a platform for a broader cultural and political message centred on Marathi identity.

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Stalin loses Kolathur seat in Tamil Nadu results 2026 as TVK’s VS Babu scores upset

Media reports suggest MK Stalin has lost his Kolathur stronghold to TVK’s VS Babu in Tamil Nadu election results 2026.

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MK Stalin

In a significant political development in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results 2026, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is reported to have lost the Kolathur constituency, according to media reports based on counting data.

As per these reports, Stalin was defeated by V. S. Babu of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking a notable upset in a seat long regarded as a stronghold of the DMK leader.

Kolathur, located in Chennai, has been closely associated with Stalin for years, making the reported outcome particularly significant in the current election cycle. Earlier counting trends had indicated a tight contest, with Stalin trailing before the result was reported.

The development comes amid a strong showing by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which has performed competitively across several constituencies in the state, according to media reports.

While the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been leading in multiple seats, the reported loss in Kolathur is being viewed as a key moment in the party’s overall performance.

Final results across Tamil Nadu are still being compiled as counting continues.

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Vijay’s TVK emerges single largest party but will he be CM? AIADMK has the answer

Early trends in Tamil Nadu election results 2026 show Vijay’s TVK gaining ground, triggering speculation over possible alliances with AIADMK.

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Actor vijay

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) put up a stellar show knocking all expectations to the wayside by leading in over 100 seats. Early trends in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results 2026 have sparked political speculation about possible post-result alliances.

As counting progresses across the 234 constituencies, TVK’s strong debut performance has placed it among the top players in the state’s political landscape. The party, formed just a few years ago, appears to be challenging the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

The early trends indicate a competitive, multi-cornered contest, with TVK either leading or closely trailing the established parties in several seats. This has led to growing discussions about whether a post-poll alignment could emerge, particularly involving AIADMK, depending on the final numbers.

The expectation that Vijay would only make a dent and not trigger a seismic shift as held by many observers looked to have come a cropper. The state’s Gen Z population seems to have convinced their families to vote for the star’s party against the ruling MK Stalin-led DMK. Despite fighting his first election, the challenge posed by Vijay has found many takers given that his party led in most of the 26 seats that make up the Chennai region, a DMK stronghold.

Despite all talk of various combinations making the rounds, TVK has consistently dismissed speculation about any alliance with AIADMK, maintaining its independent political stance.

The evolving trends suggest that even without a clear majority, TVK could play a crucial role in government formation if the results produce a fractured mandate. Observers note that the party’s performance reflects a shift in voter sentiment and the possible emergence of a third force in Tamil Nadu politics. The state has consistently voted in rival formations barring once when the AIADMK won the elections consecutively.

With counting still underway, the final outcome will determine whether alliance talks gain momentum or if a single party secures enough seats to form the government independently.

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BJP crosses majority mark in early trends in West Bengal as counting continues

BJP crosses the majority mark in early trends in West Bengal as counting continues in the 2026 assembly elections.

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BJP

Early trends from the counting of votes for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections indicate that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the majority mark in initial leads, signalling a strong performance in the state.

As counting progressed across constituencies, BJP surged past the halfway mark in early trends, putting it ahead in the high-stakes contest. However, the situation remains dynamic as multiple rounds of counting are still underway.

West Bengal is witnessing a closely fought battle, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) showing resistance in several seats even as BJP maintains its early advantage. The final outcome will depend on how trends evolve as more votes are counted.

Counting began at 8 am under tight security, with postal ballots taken up first, followed by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) rounds. Officials have cautioned that early leads may fluctuate as counting advances.

The West Bengal election is among the most closely watched contests, with significant political implications. Final results are expected later in the day as counting continues.

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