Thackeray brothers reunite after 2 decades: Show of unity or prelude to alliance?

India Today

a day ago

In a show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray, founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), shared the stage for the first time in nearly two decades at a victory rally in Mumbai's Worli Dome on Saturday.The rally, organised to celebrate the BJP-led Maharashtra government's decision to scrap Government Resolutions (GRs) on the controversial three-language policy in primary school curriculums, marked a rare moment of unity between the estranged cousins.advertisementTheir joint appearance has sparked speculation about a possible alliance ahead of upcoming local body elections, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, potentially reshaping Maharashtra's political dynamics.
The Worli rally, though described as apolitical, was steeped in the rhetoric of Marathi identity and pride, a cornerstone of both leaders' political legacies. Raj Thackeray, whose MNS was founded in 2006 after his split from the undivided Shiv Sena, focussed squarely on the issue of Marathi pride. His speech resonated with the audience, reinforcing his long-standing advocacy for the rights of the 'Marathi manoos' (Marathi people).Uddhav Thackeray, on the other hand, used the platform to take political potshots at his rivals, particularly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his 'Jai Gujarat' slogan and accusing the BJP of engaging in divisive politics.While Uddhav Thackeray hinted at the possibility of a political reunion, Raj Thackeray remained cautious, refraining from fuelling speculation about a formal alliance. Nevertheless, their joint appearance sent a strong signal to both supporters and opponents, reviving memories of the Thackeray family's once-unified influence over Maharashtra's political landscape.The prospect of a Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance could significantly alter the electoral arithmetic in Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathi-dominated urban centres like Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, and Nashik.Areas in Mumbai such as Worli, Sewri, Lalbaug, Parel, Wadala, Byculla, Chembur, Bhandup, and Vikhroli have historically been strongholds of both parties, often witnessing fierce contests between them. A seat-sharing agreement could consolidate their vote banks, giving them a formidable edge in these regions.However, forging such an alliance will not be without challenges. The two parties have distinct organisational structures, ideological nuances, and historical rivalries, making seat-sharing negotiations a potential minefield. Both leaders will need to navigate internal dissent and competing ambitions to present a united front.The rally at Worli served as a litmus test for their ability to polarise the Marathi electorate around identity politics, a strategy that has proven effective for both parties in the past.A Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance could have far-reaching consequences for Maharashtra's political landscape. The most immediate beneficiary of a consolidated Marathi vote bank might paradoxically be the BJP. By uniting the Thackeray cousins, the Marathi vote could coalesce under their banner, leaving the BJP to dominate the non-Marathi Hindutva electorate, a significant demographic in urban Maharashtra.advertisementThis dynamic could weaken the electoral prospects of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and, to a lesser extent, the Congress, both of which rely on portions of the Marathi votes.The broader Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, could also face turbulence. Raj Thackeray's vocal opposition to loudspeakers at mosques - a stance that has consistently stirred controversy may alienate minority voters, a key support base for the Congress and NCP (SP). This could push the MVA's consolidated minority vote bank to the brink, creating tensions within the alliance and complicating its electoral strategy.By rallying around the cause of Marathi pride and celebrating the scrapping of the three-language policy, the Thackeray cousins tapped into a tried-and-tested formula that resonates deeply with their core constituency.The decision to scrap the three-language policy, which had sparked concerns about the dilution of Marathi in school curriculums, was portrayed as a victory for the state's cultural identity, further amplifying the emotional connect with the Marathi electorate.However, the reliance on identity politics also carries risks. While it may galvanise the Marathi vote, it could deepen divisions in Maharashtra's diverse urban centres, where non-Marathi communities play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. The Thackerays' ability to balance regional pride with broader inclusivity will be critical to their success in the upcoming polls.- EndsMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Uddhav Thackeray#Mumbai#Maharashtra