Saurabh Mukherjee
Maharashtra’s political landscape may witness a dramatic shift as speculation grows over a possible reunion between estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after nearly two decades of political separation.
The two leaders have recently hinted at burying past differences to unite for the greater cause of safeguarding Marathi culture and identity, sparking considerable buzz across party lines ahead of the much-anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Raj Thackeray, who broke away from the Shiv Sena in 2005 to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), recently described his rift with Uddhav as “minor” and emphasised that Maharashtra’s interests must take precedence over personal disputes.
Speaking at a public event, Raj said, “Coming together is not difficult—it’s a matter of will. The cost of our differences is being borne by Marathi people.”
In a notable departure from his previous political stance, Raj appeared to signal a willingness to shift away from his past support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting openness to aligning with his cousin’s camp.
However, Uddhav Thackeray, now leading the Shiv Sena (UBT) after the 2022 party split, attached a clear condition to any reconciliation.
“I’m willing to set aside past differences, but I won’t sit with anyone who compromises Maharashtra’s interests,” he declared.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut further confirmed that both leaders were in the mood for reconciliation, provided Raj distances himself from those the Sena considers adversaries of Maharashtra.
The reunion chatter has set the political circles abuzz, particularly with BMC elections likely to be held this October after a three-year delay. A united Thackeray front could mount a serious challenge to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Mumbai, where both cousins enjoy considerable support.
Political reactions to the possibility have been varied. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the idea of reconciliation, calling it a positive development, though he remained confident that the NDA would retain its hold over the BMC.
BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed the sentiment, saying the decision lay entirely with Raj Thackeray and that his party had “no objection” to any alliance.
Congress leaders, including state unit chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, viewed the potential alliance positively, interpreting Raj’s shift as a sign that he too sees the BJP as undermining Marathi identity and culture.
NCP MP Supriya Sule also endorsed the move, calling it “happy news” and expressing that Bal Thackeray would have been pleased to see such unity.
Not all voices, however, have been supportive. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske cast doubt on Uddhav’s sincerity, citing past opposition to Raj’s involvement in party affairs. Another Sena leader, Sanjay Nirupam, dismissed the possible alliance, calling both leaders “zeroes” whose union would make no electoral difference.
As political speculation intensifies, the potential Thackeray reunion—if realised—could redefine electoral strategies in the state and usher in a new chapter in Maharashtra’s volatile political narrative.
Meanwhile, controversy over language policy has added fuel to the political debate. The Maharashtra government’s recent move to make Hindi mandatory as a third language from classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools has drawn sharp criticism from both Thackeray cousins.
Raj Thackeray called it an “assault” on Marathi identity, while Uddhav’s faction has accused the BJP of undermining regional culture through centralised imposition.
The timing of the Thackeray reconciliation talk is crucial. With both the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) struggling for political relevance following electoral setbacks, especially Uddhav’s poor showing in the last assembly polls, a strategic alliance could help both parties regain ground—particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, where the BMC remains a coveted prize.
As speculation grows, all eyes are now on whether the Thackeray cousins can put aside two decades of rivalry and forge a common front—reshaping not just the civic polls, but Maharashtra’s political trajectory in the months to come.
The two leaders have recently hinted at burying past differences to unite for the greater cause of safeguarding Marathi culture and identity, sparking considerable buzz across party lines ahead of the much-anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Raj Thackeray, who broke away from the Shiv Sena in 2005 to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), recently described his rift with Uddhav as “minor” and emphasised that Maharashtra’s interests must take precedence over personal disputes.
Speaking at a public event, Raj said, “Coming together is not difficult—it’s a matter of will. The cost of our differences is being borne by Marathi people.”
In a notable departure from his previous political stance, Raj appeared to signal a willingness to shift away from his past support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting openness to aligning with his cousin’s camp.
However, Uddhav Thackeray, now leading the Shiv Sena (UBT) after the 2022 party split, attached a clear condition to any reconciliation.
“I’m willing to set aside past differences, but I won’t sit with anyone who compromises Maharashtra’s interests,” he declared.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut further confirmed that both leaders were in the mood for reconciliation, provided Raj distances himself from those the Sena considers adversaries of Maharashtra.
The reunion chatter has set the political circles abuzz, particularly with BMC elections likely to be held this October after a three-year delay. A united Thackeray front could mount a serious challenge to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Mumbai, where both cousins enjoy considerable support.
Political reactions to the possibility have been varied. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the idea of reconciliation, calling it a positive development, though he remained confident that the NDA would retain its hold over the BMC.
BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed the sentiment, saying the decision lay entirely with Raj Thackeray and that his party had “no objection” to any alliance.
Congress leaders, including state unit chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, viewed the potential alliance positively, interpreting Raj’s shift as a sign that he too sees the BJP as undermining Marathi identity and culture.
NCP MP Supriya Sule also endorsed the move, calling it “happy news” and expressing that Bal Thackeray would have been pleased to see such unity.
Not all voices, however, have been supportive. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske cast doubt on Uddhav’s sincerity, citing past opposition to Raj’s involvement in party affairs. Another Sena leader, Sanjay Nirupam, dismissed the possible alliance, calling both leaders “zeroes” whose union would make no electoral difference.
As political speculation intensifies, the potential Thackeray reunion—if realised—could redefine electoral strategies in the state and usher in a new chapter in Maharashtra’s volatile political narrative.
Meanwhile, controversy over language policy has added fuel to the political debate. The Maharashtra government’s recent move to make Hindi mandatory as a third language from classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools has drawn sharp criticism from both Thackeray cousins.
Raj Thackeray called it an “assault” on Marathi identity, while Uddhav’s faction has accused the BJP of undermining regional culture through centralised imposition.
The timing of the Thackeray reconciliation talk is crucial. With both the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) struggling for political relevance following electoral setbacks, especially Uddhav’s poor showing in the last assembly polls, a strategic alliance could help both parties regain ground—particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, where the BMC remains a coveted prize.
As speculation grows, all eyes are now on whether the Thackeray cousins can put aside two decades of rivalry and forge a common front—reshaping not just the civic polls, but Maharashtra’s political trajectory in the months to come.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment