Ahead of the upcoming civic body elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is set to visit his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for lunch at Matoshree, the Thackeray family’s residence in Bandra, on Sunday. The meeting has sparked political curiosity across Maharashtra amid talks of a potential alliance between the estranged Thackeray cousins.
The growing warmth between the two leaders—who have remained politically distant since Raj’s split from Shiv Sena in 2005 to form the MNS—has reignited speculation of a possible political understanding ahead of the Mumbai civic elections.
Earlier this year, both leaders were seen sharing public platforms on multiple occasions. On July 5, Raj and Uddhav jointly attended an event at the NSCI Dome, where they opposed the state government’s proposed Hindi language mandate. Later that month, Raj made a rare appearance at Matoshree to wish Uddhav on his 65th birthday, marking his first visit in over a decade. In August, Uddhav returned the gesture by visiting Raj’s residence during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, and in September, the two met again in what was described as a “cordial” interaction between their families.
While neither leader has confirmed any formal political talks, Sunday’s lunch meeting comes at a crucial time, with civic elections expected to be fiercely contested across Maharashtra. A potential understanding between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) could have significant implications for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, where both parties have a strong Marathi vote base.
If such an alliance materialises, the BJP — currently the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s primary political adversary — would likely be their main rival.
Uddhav’s party remains part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), along with the Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
Despite the growing alliance buzz, the two parties faced a setback in August when a joint panel supported by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS failed to win any of the 21 seats in the BEST Employees’ Cooperative Credit Society Ltd election.
Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that some people are wearing `blindfolds`, and it is essential to explain to them what true Hindutva and patriotism mean. Uddhav Thackeray took a dig at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who leads the rival Shiv Sena faction.
