Thackeray Cousins Hint At Reunion Ahead Of Maharashtra Local Polls

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday signalled a possible political rapprochement with his estranged cousin, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra.

Amid growing speculation over a potential alliance between the two factions, Mr. Thackeray said, “Whatever is in the hearts of people of Maharashtra, it will happen.” Addressing the issue of confusion among party workers, he added, “We are working on things. There is no confusion in the hearts of Shiv Sainiks or MNS’s workers. So, next time we will come with news directly, no message is required.”

The remarks come nearly two decades after the cousins parted ways, with Raj Thackeray establishing the MNS in 2005, following internal disagreements in the undivided Shiv Sena.

Posters have appeared in Thane in recent weeks promoting unity, while leaders from both parties — including Sanjay Raut and Sunil Prabhu from Shiv Sena (UBT) — have indicated that discussions are underway. The two parties also jointly participated in a protest against an incomplete bridge in Kalyan, further fuelling speculation about a formal alliance.

Raj Thackeray too has not ruled out the possibility of reconciliation. “Reunion [is] possible if it is in the interest of the Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people),” he said. His son, Amit Thackeray, echoed the sentiment, saying on Thursday, “Both of them have each other’s number, they [can] speak directly if thinking of uniting.”

The potential alliance has brought into question the future of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s association with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — the Opposition coalition comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Indian National Congress. Shiv Sena (UBT) fought the recent Lok Sabha elections as part of the MVA, while the MNS supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested the State Assembly elections separately.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare commented on the possible implications of the Thackeray cousins joining forces. “If Raj saheb leaves the BJP’s hand, and here we will also leave, we won’t require anyone. So far, in two-person fights, the third party has benefited. If we don’t want that anymore, we should leave trivial issues aside,” she said.

The evolving political dynamics in Maharashtra suggest that regional considerations and Marathi identity politics could play a central role in shaping alliances ahead of the municipal and Zilla Parishad elections.