For the first time in almost two decades, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are all set to share the stage together on July 5. The platform: a joint protest rally against the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi the mandatory third language for primary classes in state-run schools.

The Fadnavis government’s move has given Raj and Uddhav a rare — but much needed common cause — of defending Marathi identity. Both have said the protest is not “political”, but the symbolism of the two Thackeray heirs coming together is significant.