NEW DELHI: As the rumors about Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray 's reunion start getting traction, the leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said that personal relationships and organisational alignment need addressing.
The cousins' recent statements suggest a possible reconciliation after nearly 20 years of separation, with both expressing willingness to overlook minor differences.
The Sena (UBT) recently shared an enigmatic social media message stating, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)." Both cousins are currently overseas, with Raj expected to return in late April and Uddhav in early May.
This reunion speculation emerges as both parties face their most challenging political period, with poor electoral performance. The Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats in the 2024 assembly polls, while the MNS failed to win any seats.
Leaders of both parties have, however, said that though Uddhav's response to Raj's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done.
Party officials indicate that despite the positive signals, implementation remains complex. A Sena (UBT) representative highlighted the cousins' contrasting personalities. Historical tensions persist since Raj's 2005 departure from Shiv Sena, which he attributed to Uddhav. Raj has consistently maintained he would only work under Bal Thackeray's leadership.
The situation extends beyond the two leaders to their families, particularly their sons Aaditya and Amit, who are being prepared for future leadership roles. Prakash Akolkar, author of "Jai Maharashtra", notes this differs from previous political alliances, as it involves a personal family dispute over Bal Thackeray's legacy.
"The fight between Uddhav and Raj is personal and a family feud, where both brothers are vying for the family assets. The assets are not always monetary. Here, the asset is Bal Thackeray's legacy," Akolkar said.
Practical challenges include seat-sharing arrangements in stronghold areas like Dadar and Worli, and ideological differences.
"When we discuss seat-sharing agreements in Mumbai, how will the seats be divided? How will the winnable and non-winnable seats be divided? What about areas like Dadar and Worli, where both parties have a strong base? What about other cities where Sena (UBT) and MNS have their strength," an MNS leader said.
He also raised the question of ideologies.
While Raj is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has focused on making the party more inclusive, especially warming up to the Muslim community.
"If Uddhav has asked us to sever ties with the BJP, will he do the same with the Congress?" asked the MNS leader.
While Raj positions himself as a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has adopted a more inclusive approach, particularly towards the Muslim community. MNS representatives have raised concerns about reconciling these divergent positions and addressing past grievances.
The cousins' recent statements suggest a possible reconciliation after nearly 20 years of separation, with both expressing willingness to overlook minor differences.
The Sena (UBT) recently shared an enigmatic social media message stating, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)." Both cousins are currently overseas, with Raj expected to return in late April and Uddhav in early May.
वेळ आलीयं, एकत्र येण्याची
— ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) April 26, 2025
मुंबई आणि महाराष्ट्रासाठी
शिवसैनिक तयार आहे,
मराठी अस्मितेच्या रक्षणासाठी! pic.twitter.com/aukbsiNPK5
This reunion speculation emerges as both parties face their most challenging political period, with poor electoral performance. The Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats in the 2024 assembly polls, while the MNS failed to win any seats.
Leaders of both parties have, however, said that though Uddhav's response to Raj's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done.
Party officials indicate that despite the positive signals, implementation remains complex. A Sena (UBT) representative highlighted the cousins' contrasting personalities. Historical tensions persist since Raj's 2005 departure from Shiv Sena, which he attributed to Uddhav. Raj has consistently maintained he would only work under Bal Thackeray's leadership.
The situation extends beyond the two leaders to their families, particularly their sons Aaditya and Amit, who are being prepared for future leadership roles. Prakash Akolkar, author of "Jai Maharashtra", notes this differs from previous political alliances, as it involves a personal family dispute over Bal Thackeray's legacy.
"The fight between Uddhav and Raj is personal and a family feud, where both brothers are vying for the family assets. The assets are not always monetary. Here, the asset is Bal Thackeray's legacy," Akolkar said.
Practical challenges include seat-sharing arrangements in stronghold areas like Dadar and Worli, and ideological differences.
"When we discuss seat-sharing agreements in Mumbai, how will the seats be divided? How will the winnable and non-winnable seats be divided? What about areas like Dadar and Worli, where both parties have a strong base? What about other cities where Sena (UBT) and MNS have their strength," an MNS leader said.
He also raised the question of ideologies.
While Raj is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has focused on making the party more inclusive, especially warming up to the Muslim community.
"If Uddhav has asked us to sever ties with the BJP, will he do the same with the Congress?" asked the MNS leader.
While Raj positions himself as a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has adopted a more inclusive approach, particularly towards the Muslim community. MNS representatives have raised concerns about reconciling these divergent positions and addressing past grievances.
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