Raj Thackeray Visits Uddhav Thackeray on His Birthday, Signaling Political Reconciliation
A Significant Family Visit
On Sunday, Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), paid a visit to his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena (UBT), at the Thackeray family's residence, Matoshree, in Mumbai, to celebrate Uddhav's 65th birthday. This meeting is viewed as a crucial step towards easing tensions and improving relations between the two leaders.
A Moment of Tribute
Accompanying Raj Thackeray were senior MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai. Inside Matoshree, the two leaders took a joint photograph alongside a portrait of the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Raj Thackeray also paid his respects by offering a tribute while seated in Balasaheb's iconic chair.
Political Implications of the Meeting
The visit carries significant political implications, especially with upcoming elections in Maharashtra on the horizon. Raj Thackeray last formally visited Matoshree in 2012 during Balasaheb Thackeray's final days. He made a brief visit in January 2019 to invite Uddhav and his family to his son Amit Thackeray's wedding.
Joint Public Appearance
This meeting follows a recent public rally in Mumbai where both leaders appeared together. Earlier this month, the cousins shared a political platform for the first time in nearly two decades, addressing issues related to Marathi identity and the imposition of the Hindi language. During this rally in Worli, Uddhav Thackeray hinted at the possibility of collaborating for the upcoming municipal elections.
A New Beginning
While addressing the victorious assembly, Uddhav Thackeray stated, 'We have come together to stay united for the sake of Marathi.' He added, 'I want to convey that our coming together is just a trailer; this is merely the beginning.' This statement suggests a clear indication of a potential alliance in the future. Raj Thackeray also remarked that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has achieved what even Balasaheb Thackeray could not by bringing them together.
Strategizing for Upcoming Elections
Discussing the upcoming elections for 29 municipal corporations, Uddhav Thackeray announced that he and Raj would jointly lead the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the state of Maharashtra. Previously, during a three-day conference of the MNS in Igatpuri, Raj Thackeray informed members that any decision regarding a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) would be made at the 'appropriate time.'
A New Chapter in Maharashtra Politics
Raj Thackeray founded the MNS after separating from Shiv Sena in 2006. Since then, political and personal rifts have widened between the two parties, with minimal direct communication in recent years. This recent meeting and their public unity may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Maharashtra's political landscape.