Thackeray Cousins Patch-Up Buzz Grows; MVA Allies Root for MNS Tie-Up
The buzz around a potential political reconciliation between estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray is growing stronger, with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners openly rooting for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to join their ranks ahead of the crucial upcoming civic polls in the state.
Speculation intensified after Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT), responded cryptically to questions about a reunion, teasing that he will soon share “good news.” He further added, “Whatever the people of Maharashtra wish will happen,” stopping short of denying the reports.
The MVA, looking to strengthen its front against the ruling Mahayuti alliance, has welcomed the prospect. Supriya Sule, senior leader of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), said, “I welcome the decision. They are a family and part of Balasaheb’s huge legacy… If that legacy continues with them coming together, it will be a happy moment for us.” She added that more partners would increase the MVA’s strength.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal also expressed conditional support. “If Raj Thackeray works against BJP to protect democracy and the Constitution, then it can be thought about… there can be a consideration to take him in the alliance,” he stated, laying down an ideological prerequisite.
Raj Thackeray broke away from the then-undivided Shiv Sena, led by his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray, in 2006 to form the MNS. The two cousins have been political rivals for nearly two decades. However, with both leaders facing significant political challenges—Uddhav after the split in his party and the collapse of the MVA government in 2022, and Raj looking to rejuvenate the MNS—a patch-up is seen by many as a mutually beneficial move.
Adding a pragmatic voice to the speculation, Raj Thackeray’s son and MNS leader, Amit Thackeray, remarked that a true alliance requires direct dialogue, not media statements. “Alliances do not happen while talking in the media. They have each other’s mobile numbers, they can talk to each other,” he said.
The BJP, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the developments. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented, “It is for Raj Thackeray to react to Uddhav Thackeray’s comments… They will decide whether to have an alliance or not.”
Hints of a thaw between the cousins had appeared earlier in April, when both expressed a willingness to set aside differences for the state’s welfare. Uddhav had then stipulated that his cousin must steer clear of any alignment with the BJP or the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. With crucial municipal corporation elections in Mumbai, Thane, and other cities on the horizon, a Thackeray reunion could significantly reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape.
