‘Whatever people wish', Uddhav Thackeray drops hint on reunion with Raj Thackeray
Amid rumours of the Thackeray cousins coming together ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday (June 6, 2025) dropped a hint of a possible alliance between his party and his estranged cousin, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), saying: 'Whatever is in the hearts of people of Maharashtra, it will happen'.
Dismissing any confusion concerning the reunion among the party workers, the former Chief Minister said, 'We are working on things. There is no confusion in the hearts of Shiv Sainik or MNS's workers. So, next time we will come with news directly, no message is required.'
Mr. Thackeray's statement has fuelled the possibility of a political rapprochement after two decades, as they took different paths, with Raj Thackeray forming his party, MNS, in 2005 and Uddhav Thackeray heading the undivided Shiv Sena.
Posters put up
In the last few weeks, the buzz over the Thackeray cousins' political reunion gained mileage after several party leaders made statements. The party workers came up with posters in Thane, while party leaders Sanjay Raut and Sunil Prabhu also hinted at a possible reunion. Recently, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS also jointly protested against an incomplete bridge in Kalyan in Thane district.
Raj Thackeray also made a similar statement, saying: 'Reunion possible if it is in the interest of the Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people)'. His son Amit Thackeray also reiterated that both brothers should talk about any possibility of a tie-up. While speaking to the media on Thursday, Amit Thackeray said, 'Both of them have each other's number, they [can] speak directly if thinking of uniting.
Doubts over MVA's future
Meanwhile, the possible reunion has also raised the question of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s future with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the principal Opposition front that fought against the ruling Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the State.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare pointed out that if both brothers come together, it won't require a third hand. '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.'
During the Lok Sabha election, the MNS supported the BJP, while it contested separately in the State Assembly election.
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