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Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MNS chief Raj Thackeray visits Matoshree after years on cousin Uddhav Thackeray's birthday, calls him 'Shiv Sena chief'
MNS chief Raj Thackeray visits Matoshree after years on cousin Uddhav Thackeray's birthday, calls him 'Shiv Sena chief' MUMBAI/NAGPUR: Amid speculation about an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS for the civic polls, Raj Thackeray made a rare visit to Matoshree, Uddhav Thackeray's residence, to wish his "big brother" on his 65th birthday. Uddhav welcomed Raj with a hug, while the latter presented him a bouquet of red roses. After the courtesies, the cousins spoke for close to 20 minutes. Raj also paid tributes to his late uncle Bal Thackeray's memorial chair on the first floor at Matoshree. Since parting ways with Shiv Sena two decades ago, Raj has visited Matoshree just a couple of times, the last time in 2019 to invite Uddhav to his son's wedding. In what's seen as a snub to deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, Raj later referred to Uddhav as "Shiv Sena chief" on X. While political observers said the two cousins meeting second time in less than a month is an indication of a political reunion for the local body polls slated for Nov-Dec, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis downplayed it, terming the visit purely personal. "Raj Thackeray met Uddhav on account of his birthday. I don't think one should see a political angle in everything," said Fadnavis, while speaking to reporters in Nagpur. Responding to an earlier remark on the possibility of the alliance by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut that "whatever is in the mind of Maharashtra will ultimately happen", Fadnavis said, "I feel there is something only in the mind of certain leaders. Else, what's in the mind of Maharashtra we got to know during [assembly] polls." Speaking briefly to the media after Raj's visit, Uddhav appeared visibly emotional. "I am very happy. I am overwhelmed...," he said, declining to elaborate. Later, Raj said in a post on X: "On the occasion of my big brother, Shiv Sena chief, Uddhav Thackeray's birthday, I visited Matoshree, the residence of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, to extend my best wishes." Raj's reference to Uddhav as Shiv Sena chief was also a snub to deputy chief minister Ekanth Shinde, who is president of the Shiv Sena officially recognised by the Election Commission (EC) after the party split. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and MLC Ambadas Danve and MNS netas Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai were among those present during Raj's visit to Matoshree, which was decked up with flowers and banners to mark Uddhav's birthday. At midnight, Uddhav cut a cake with wife Rashmi and son Aaditya amid sloganeering in a room packed with Sainiks. "All together, No problem at all!" Raut said in a post on X, sharing a group photo with Raj and Uddhav. "Both the brothers did it without saying a word. This is the beginning of the future. This incident united the divided Maharashtra, there cannot be a happier day like today. Therefore, today is a day of joy and inspiration for the Marathi people," Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said. Political observers said Raj's visit to Matoshree was a reciprocal step to Uddhav's comments that the two cousins had "come together to be together" during the July 5 'victory rally' in Mumbai after state govt withdrew its decision to introduce Hindi from classes 1 to 5. "At the July 5 rally itself Uddhav had said that the two cousins have come together to stay together. Later too, Uddhav made it clear that an alliance was on the cards in his interviews and speeches. So, Raj seems to have taken a step forward by visiting him," said a political observer. "Raj going to Matoshree also has sentimental value for Shiv Sainiks; it is a kind of homecoming. In fact, it has more optical and sentimental value than the two cousins coming together at the rally at Worli's NSCI Dome. In the minds of the Sainiks, Matoshree has sanctity and Raj going there is also an acceptance on his part of Uddhav as a big brother and Sena (UBT) president. With this visit, Raj has kept the momentum alive and not let the curiosity of the reunion die down after the Hindi imposition issue."
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Raj Thackeray visits Matoshree to wish 'big brother' Uddhav Thackeray on birthday
MUMBAI: Weeks after MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray came together against a govt decision to introduce Hindi in schools from class 1 to 5, Raj visited Matoshree, the Thackeray residence in Bandra East to wish his 'big brother' Uddhav happy birthday. In yet another display of bonhomie, Uddhav welcomed Raj with a warm hug and Raj gave Uddhav a bouquet of red roses on his 65th birthday. Raj visited Matoshree for the first time since he split from the Shiv Sena and formed the MNS in 2006. After the courtesies, Raj and Uddhav spoke for close to 20 minutes and Raj's visit is being seen as a cementing factor in the MNS-Sena (UBT) alliance for the local body polls slated for Nov-Dec this year. Political observers said that Raj and Uddhav meeting twice in less than a month is a clear indication that after a family reunion, a political reunion was on the cards and could be announced once the elections are formally announced. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Sunday's birthday meeting was Raj and Uddhav's second public appearance after the Hindi imposition rally on July 5. Political observers said Raj's visit was a reciprocal step on his part to Uddhav's comments that the two cousins had come together to be together. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Political observers said in the minds of the Sainiks, Matoshree has sanctity and Raj going there is also an acceptance on his part of Uddhav's seniority as big brother and Sena (UBT) president. "On the occasion of my big brother, Shiv sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray's birthday, I visited Matoshree, the residence of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, to extend my best wishes," Raj said in a post on X after the visit. "I'm very happy (with Raj's visit)," Uddhav said. 'Uddhav had said it on the July 5 rally itself that the two have come together to say together. Even after that Uddhav has made it clear that an alliance was on the cards in his interviews and speeches. So Raj seems to have taken a few steps forward. Raj visiting Matoshree also has big sentimental value for Shiv Sainiks and is a kind of homecoming. In fact it has more optical and sentimental value than the two cousins coming together at a public rally at Worli's NSCI Dome. In the minds of the Sainiks, Matoshree has sanctity and Raj going there is also an acceptance on his part of Uddhav's seniority as big brother and Sena (UBT) president. With this visit, Raj has kept the momentum alive and not let the curiosity of the reunion die down after the Hindi imposition issue,' a political observer said. Raj also paid tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray's memorial chair on the first floor at Matoshree. Several Sena (UBT) functionaries including MP Sanjay Raut, MLC Ambadas Danve and MNS netas Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai among others too were present. Matoshree was fully decked up in garlands and banners to mark Uddhav's birthday with hordes of Sena (UBT) workers gathered there to wish Uddhav. At midnight on Saturday, Uddhav cut the birthday cake with his son Aaditya and wife Rashmi amid sloganeering and chants in a room packed with Sainiks. "Both the brothers did it without saying a word. This is the beginning of the future. This incident united the divided Maharashtra, there cannot be a happier day like today. Therefore, today is a day of joy and inspiration for the Marathi people," Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said.
United News of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Raj & Uddhav share public platform after 20 years
Mumbai, July 5 (UNI) In a turning point in Maharashtra politics, the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, came together under one platform after two decades amplifying the cause of Maharashtra and Marathi-manoos. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)-INDIA opposition bloc are witnessing the development keenly. Uddhav, the Shiv Sena (UBT) head, is an MVA ally. Raj, the founder-president of MNS, is currently independent of an alliance. After differences with Uddhav, Raj had walked out of the undivided Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, in 2005 and in 2006, he formed the MNS. The coming together of the cousins in 2025 -- after a gap of 20 years -- is significant on many counts. Significantly, the year 2026 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Balasaheb -- the founder of Shiv Sena -- and 60th foundation year of the party. Founded by late Balasaheb (January 23, 1926-November 17, 2012), the Shiv Sena is at crossroads because of a split in the party which once had a dominant position in the western Indian state's politics where for over quarter of a century, coalition politics has been the order. From the iconic Shivaji Park, which Sainiks refer to as Shiv-Teerth, Balasaheb, in his first Dussehra rally on October 30, 1966 had given the message of '80 takke samaj-karan, 20 takke raj-karan' (80 per cent social work, 20 per cent politics). Today, Uddhav and Raj plan to "go back to basics' for the revival of their respective parties which posted their worst-ever performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls. Four major rebellions mark the the regional party's political journey: first by Chhagan Bhujbal (1991) followed by Narayan Rane (2005), then, Raj Thackeray (2005-06) and finally by Eknath Shinde (2022), who now controls the 'real' Shiv Sena and the iconic 'dhanushya-baan' (bow and arrow) electoral symbol. has deeply affected the party. While Raj floated MNS on March 9, 2006 and has the 'railway engine' symbol, Uddhav heads Shiv Sena (UBT) and has the 'mashaal' (flaming torch) symbol. Eknath Shinde toppled the Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi dispensation comprising the Congress and undivided Shiv Sena and undivided Sharad Pawar-led NCP. He joined hands with BJP to become the Chief Minister with the party's former CM Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy CM. A year later, Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle and joined hands with BJP to become the Deputy CM. The year 2024 came with a mixed bag. In the Lok Sabha polls, the MVA performed very well in Maharashtra, however, Fadnavis with the support of the RSS turned tables and ensured that the opposition benches did not get the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. In the 2024 Assembly polls, Shiv Sena could barely get 20 seats while MNS failed to open its account. UNI AAA PRS
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Eknath Shinde Mocks Uddhav Thackeray's Alliance Bid with MNS, Calls It Desperation Ahead of Municipal Polls
Thane: chief and Deputy CM on Sunday mocked the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction (UBT) for trying to stitch up an alliance with the ahead of municipal elections. He pointed out how the UBT - during the earlier MVA tenure- had dismissed the Raj Thackeray-led party as a "spent force." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shinde was speaking at an event inducting Nashik leader Vilas Shinde and supporters in Thane. Shinde said, "When he (Uddhav) abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray's ideologies in 2019 and aligned with ideologically opposed parties for power, real Sainiks started leaving. By the next elections, their (UBT) camp could be empty... The attrition in their party has apparently forced them to now desperately seek an alliance with the very party that they once looked down on." Shinde also mocked Uddhav's recent use of a Nana Patekar dialogue during UBT's foundation day, saying, "His (Uddhav's) present political condition is more like the jailor played by actor Asrani in the cult film Sholay, where he orders his team to head in different directions, seemingly unaware he's left alone at the end." Political observers note that the alliance between the Thackeray cousins could impact the political standing of Shinde and his Sena and its core Marathi voter base. It could also soften his claims as the true heir to Balasaheb's political and ideological legacy. Defending Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde criticised Thackeray's remarks against him, stating, "Shah fulfilled Balasaheb's key demands—Ram Mandir construction and Article 370 revocation… They (UBT) ignored this and rely on AI-generated videos of Balasaheb, which won't win them voters."
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘What Maharashtra wants will happen': Uddhav Thackeray confirms talks with MNS; Sanjay Raut hints ‘process has begun'
Amid growing talks over a possible reconciliation with cousin Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday confirmed that discussions—at least informally—are underway with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), saying that the party is now looking into 'minute details' of a potential alliance. 'There is no confusion in my mind or that of my Shiv Sainiks. Even MNS workers are in touch with us, and there is no confusion in their minds either,' Uddhav told reporters at his residence, Matoshree. When asked directly about the status of the talks, he replied, 'Let us contemplate some minute details.' He added, 'I will not give a message—I will give news. And what is in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra—that will happen.' Uddhav's remarks come a day after Raj's son Amit hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders for giving sound bites daily and instead called for a direct conversation between the two cousins. 'Alliances are not formed through media sound bites or newspaper headlines. Direct dialogue is necessary,' Amit had said on Thursday, adding that the two leaders have each other's phone numbers. He revealed that it was Raj who had taken the initiative to start talks, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic when he called Uddhav, then the Maharashtra chief minister, but also earlier in 2014 and 2017. Asked about his own views, Amit said, 'Whatever Raj Thackeray wants is what I want,' but reiterated that 'two brothers should talk — others talking won't help.' On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut added to the momentum, saying that the 'process has begun'. 'We Sainiks are positive because the two leaders—the brothers—are positive. When we talk about phone calls between them, who knows? Maybe they have already spoken. How would we know?' Raut told reporters. 'Once the due process is completed, you will see the fruits of it. There is positivity among the workers of both parties,' he said. Raut also quipped that he may soon visit Raj's residence. 'I may drop by Raj Thackeray's house for tea. After all, it is my house too.' The growing signals of rapprochement between the once-bitter rivals have now triggered responses across the political spectrum. The Congress, a key ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), extended support to the development. 'If two brothers are coming together, we welcome it,' said party spokesperson Atul Londhe. However, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar offered a more guarded view. 'If the two brothers are coming together or not, it is their lookout. What and how can we comment on that?' Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, speaking earlier this week, had also signalled openness to the idea of working together. 'Anyone who is committed to the welfare of Maharashtra and the Marathi people is welcome,' he had said, citing a recent protest jointly held by Sena (UBT)'s Deepesh Mhatre and MNS's Raju Patil as an example of coordination on the ground. Despite the continued exchange of goodwill from both camps, political observers, however, remain cautious. 'Unless there's a face-to-face meeting between Uddhav and Raj, the rest is conjecture. But Uddhav's remark today is the closest we have seen to confirmation,' a senior analyst said. Raj Thackeray had split from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 and launched the MNS in 2006, following a bitter succession dispute in the Thackeray family.
