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In a powerful show of unity and identity politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took sharp aim at the BJP during a joint rally with cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, saying, we now understand “Batenge toh katenge,” a veiled warning against attempts to divide the Marathi community.

Uddhav Thackeray, hitting back at Yogi Adityanath's "batenge toh katenge" slogan, said the BJP had practiced the very strategy it warned against. Citing Gujarat and Haryana, he pointed out how Patels were polarised in one state and Jats provoked in another, while the remaining communities were treated as a consolidated vote bank. He added that the real meaning of "batenge toh katenge" had now become clear, as reported by India Today.

Addressing a charged crowd at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Uddhav said, as per ANI: "You (Shiv Sena) have used us enough already. If you didn't have the support of Balasaheb Thackeray, who knew you in Maharashtra. Who are you to teach us about Hindutva?"  

He added, "When riots were happening in Mumbai, then we Marathi people had saved every Hindu in Maharashtra, be it anyone. If you are calling Marathi people 'gundas' doing their protest, seeking justice. Then yes, we are 'gunda'."

'This Stage Is Bigger Than Any Speech'

Referring to the long-anticipated reunion with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav played down the importance of speeches and instead highlighted the symbolism of the moment.

He said: "Since we announced about this program, everyone was eagerly waiting for our speech today, but in my view, we both coming together, and this stage was more important than our speeches. Raj Thackeray has already given a very outstanding speech, and I think there is no need for me to speak now."