In a surprising turn that has stirred the political waters of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the iconic residence of Uddhav Thackeray, on the latter’s 65th birthday. While at first glance it seemed like a cordial gesture, the visit—after years of estrangement—has sparked serious speculation about a political reconciliation between the two cousins and a potential MNS–Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance ahead of the 2025 Maharashtra local body elections.
A Reunion After Years: More Than Just a Birthday Visit
This was Raj Thackeray’s most prominent visit to Matoshree since 2012, when he met his ailing uncle, the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Though he made a brief appearance in 2019 to invite the Thackeray family to his son Amit’s wedding, Sunday’s visit carried a tone of deeper political symbolism. Raj, accompanied by senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, embraced Uddhav and offered him a bouquet—gestures captured on camera, offering a striking image of reconciliation.
Later, the cousins held a 20-minute closed-door meeting, fueling further anticipation among supporters and political observers. Uddhav, visibly pleased, told the media he was “very, very happy and delighted” by Raj’s visit.
Timeline of the Thackeray Family Political Rift
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Raj Thackeray quits Shiv Sena after differences with Uddhav; forms MNS. |
| 2012 | Raj visits Matoshree during Bal Thackeray’s final days. |
| 2019 | Brief visit to invite Uddhav to son Amit Thackeray’s wedding. |
| 2022–23 | Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena battles legal and political conflict after Eknath Shinde’s rebellion. |
| July 2025 | Raj and Uddhav share stage at rally opposing Hindi resolution in schools. |
| July 2025 | Raj visits Matoshree on Uddhav’s 65th birthday; alliance speculation reignites. |
Political Significance: A United Front?
The timing of this public camaraderie is critical. Earlier this month, Raj and Uddhav shared a political platform during a victory rally opposing the Maharashtra government’s move to make Hindi a mandatory third language in schools. That joint appearance was the first time since 2005 the two had stood together on a political stage—signaling a thaw in long-frozen relations.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, “This is a hopeful and happy day for all of us.” However, he clarified that discussions on any formal alliance would happen in a “serious setting.”
Sources close to Uddhav have hinted that he sees value in consolidating the Marathi vote base, especially as Maharashtra’s urban centers remain critical in upcoming elections. An alliance with Raj could help shore up support in constituencies where MNS has grassroots influence but lacks statewide reach.
Public & Political Reactions
The visit drew responses across the political spectrum. Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, downplayed the event by stating, “This is a good thing that Raj Thackeray went to wish Uddhav Thackeray on his birthday. What is the politics in this?”
But observers read more between the lines. The meeting, at a time when both leaders are trying to recalibrate their political roles in a changing Maharashtra, cannot be seen merely as a birthday greeting.
What Lies Ahead?
While Uddhav has openly spoken about “coming together to stay together,” Raj has remained guarded, not yet commenting on a formal political alliance. But his gestures speak volumes. Both leaders seem aware that the fragmentation of the Shiv Sena vote—post the split caused by the Shinde faction—has weakened their political standing. A combined force could not only challenge the BJP-Shinde coalition but also reassert the Thackeray legacy in the state.
Analysis: The Stakes in 2025 and Beyond
The Thackeray cousins are staring at a political opportunity born of necessity. As local body polls approach, particularly in Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik—cities that have historically been Sena bastions—the symbolic weight of their unity could translate into electoral strength.
It is also about legacy. For Raj, long seen as the ideological inheritor of Balasaheb’s fiery rhetoric but sidelined electorally, this could be a path back to political relevance. For Uddhav, it offers a chance to recover lost ground after the 2022 rebellion fractured his party.
The reunion may have started with a hug, but it could very well end at a ballot box
