Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray sent out a message of Marathi unity during the inauguration of the annual Deepotsav celebration, hosted by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Shivaji Park. “Marathi unity will certainly bring happiness and light into people’s lives and homes,” Uddhav said in his brief, minute-long address at the Dadar playground on Friday. A few years back, then Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had inaugurated the festival.

In 2005, citing differences with Uddhav, Raj had quit Shiv Sena (undivided) and floated the MNS. But, as the Mahayuti government tried to push Hindi language for Std I to Std V in Maharashtra schools, the Thackeray cousins came together for the “cause of Marathi” and forced the government to roll back the decision.