raj-meets-uddhav-again-poll-alliance-speculations-grows

Raj Thackeray, president of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), met his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, at the latter’s Mumbai residence, Matoshri, on Sunday, marking his second meeting with Uddhav in a week. Raj’s wife Sharmila was also present, and the visit was described as a family get-together.

 

Asked about the purpose, Raj told reporters, “My mother is with me.”

 

The meeting comes amid heightened speculation that the cousins may be exploring an electoral understanding ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. It was the sixth public encounter between Raj and Uddhav since July 5, when they had joined forces to celebrate a victory rally after the state government withdrew two contentious resolutions relating to making Hindi “mandatory” and implementing the three-language formula for Classes 1-5.

 

Raj Thackeray formed the MNS in 2006 after splitting from the Shiv Sena, citing ideological and leadership differences with Uddhav’s father, Bal Thackeray. Since then, relations between the two factions have oscillated between rivalry and occasional cooperation.

 

Also read: Uddhav meets Raj Thackeray amid alliance buzz

The recent series of meetings suggests a thaw in ties, particularly after the electoral setbacks both parties suffered in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS lost significant ground to rival parties, prompting renewed discussions on political collaboration.

 

Raj had also visited Matoshri last Sunday following a function hosted by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s family. Observers note that these interactions reflect a strategic attempt to consolidate the Thackeray vote base in Mumbai ahead of crucial civic elections.

 

The cousins are expected to meet again when a delegation, including Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar and other opposition leaders, calls on the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra on Tuesday. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have yet to formally announce an alliance, party leaders have indicated that an understanding is likely.

 

Political analysts say the renewed proximity between the cousins could reshape Mumbai’s electoral landscape, particularly in constituencies where both parties had previously split votes, often benefiting the BJP.