In a significant political development, the long-estranged Thackeray brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have signaled a possible reconciliation, raising speculation about a major realignment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
On Saturday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray hinted at a willingness to join forces with his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, in the larger interest of the state. Speaking in a podcast interview with actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj stated,
“The interest of Maharashtra is paramount for me. Personal differences are minor. I am ready to work with Uddhav Thackeray. But the real question is are they ready?”
In a swift response, Uddhav Thackeray expressed similar sentiments at a meeting of the Shiv Sena workers’ union in Mumbai.
“I am also willing to set aside our differences for the sake of Maharashtra and the Marathi people,” he said.
However, he added a pointed caveat: “I will not work with anyone aligned with anti-Maharashtra forces.”
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut welcomed the development, describing it as a positive sign for the state.
“If both leaders unite, the strength of Marathi regional parties will increase, especially against a formidable opponent like the BJP. For now, we are adopting a wait-and-watch approach,” he said.
The remarks come shortly after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Raj Thackeray’s residence for a private luncheon an event that triggered speculation about a possible alliance between the Shinde faction and MNS. In this context, Raj Thackeray’s outreach to Uddhav Thackeray is being viewed by political observers as a potentially strategic shift.
Veteran politician and former Shiv Sainik, Chhagan Bhujbal, now with the NCP, also responded positively.
“There is a growing public sentiment in favour of the Thackeray brothers coming together. If they contest elections jointly, their combined influence will certainly grow,” he said.
The media has closely followed every development, with the prospect of the Thackeray cousins joining hands dominating headlines and drawing responses from key political figures across the spectrum.
On Sunday, tensions spilled into public view when Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacted sharply to a reporter’s question about the potential alliance.
“Ask me about the government's performance,” Shinde snapped, visibly irritated, while pushing away the reporter’s microphone during a media interaction.
The speculation intensified following a closed-door meeting between Raj Thackeray and an unnamed political figure on April 15, which reportedly lasted for an hour.
Soon after, Raj Thackeray issued a statement that many interpret as a political signal, raising questions about whether this is part of a strategic maneuver or a new political experiment.
In a more measured response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the situation with caution.
First wait to see whether the two brothers come together or not. If they come together, we will welcome them
Devendra Fadnavis - CM , Maharashtra
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP - SP faction ) MP Supriya Sule also weighed in, highlighting the potential implications for the state.
If Raj and Uddhav come together, it will be in the interest of Maharashtra. If Balasaheb Thackeray were alive today, he would have been most happy with Raj's statement
Supriya Sule - MP ( NCP - Sharad Pawar )
Despite the warm public sentiments, political analysts note that the two leaders have had a fraught relationship over the past two decades, marked by consistent conflict and public criticism between their respective parties .Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Both leaders’ sons also went head-to-head in the 2024 Assembly elections in neighboring constituencies. In Worli, Aaditya Thackeray secured a victory despite a strong challenge from MNS’s Sandeep Deshpande. Meanwhile, in Mahim, Amit Thackeray faced defeat at the hands of Mahesh Sawant from Uddhav’s Shiv Sena faction.
Given the recent electoral rivalry and years of political antagonism, many remain skeptical about a genuine rapprochement.
MNS leader and former corporator Sandeep Deshpande voiced his doubts, citing past experiences.
Considering the experience of the 2017 municipal elections, it seems impossible . No alliance proposal has been made to anyone
Sandeep Deshpande - MNS Leader
Uday Samant, a senior leader in the Eknath Shinde camp, echoed similar sentiments about Raj Thackeray’s independent political approach.
I don’t think he makes decisions based on anyone’s conditions. He has his own opinions and he stands firm on them. If someone tells him to accept certain terms, I don’t think he will listen
Uday Samant - Misnister and Senior Leader Shinde Group
While the public statements suggest possibilities, deep-rooted rivalries and strategic calculations continue to cast doubt over any imminent alliance. Whether the Thackeray cousins can bridge their political divide remains to be seen.