Their joint opposition to a controversial three-language policy revived their partnership, and Raj’s personal visit has fueled speculation about a combined Marathi front in Maharashtra’s upcoming elections.
BY PC Bureau
July 27, 2025: In a moment laden with symbolism and political weight, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, on the latter’s 65th birthday—marking their first meeting at the iconic Bandra East home in over 13 years.
The visit, described as a personal gesture, comes weeks after their joint appearance at the Awaj Marathicha rally in Mumbai, where both cousins united to oppose the now-scrapped three-language policy mandating Hindi in state schools. The renewed camaraderie has stirred speculation of a Thackeray reunion with significant political implications.
Raj’s visit to Matoshree—his first since 2012—revives memories of the days before their fallout in 2005, when Raj exited Shiv Sena to form the MNS. Bal Thackeray, the family patriarch, had long tried to bridge the rift between his son and nephew, with little success during his lifetime.
Sources close to the Thackerays said the meeting was “warm and informal,” with the cousins reminiscing about their shared political legacy. While no formal alliance was announced, political observers view the reunion as a strategic recalibration ahead of the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
The re-emergence of a Thackeray united front could reshape the Marathi vote, which comprises 30–35% of Mumbai’s electorate. With both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS appealing to Marathi identity, their cooperation could present a serious challenge to the BJP-led Mahayuti, which includes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction.
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Analyst Parimal Maya Sudhakar noted, “A joint Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS platform could shift dynamics in key urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nashik.”
#UddhavThackeray के आज जन्मदिन के मौके पर #Mumbai स्थित उनके घर उनके चचेरे भाई #MNS अध्यक्ष #RajThakreay बधाई देने पहुँचे..साल 2012 के बाद पहली बार राज ठाकरे मातोश्री पहुँचे #MaharashtraPolitics @TNNavbharat @mnsadhikrut @ShivsenaUBTComm pic.twitter.com/BS7XJON6Wj
— Atul singh (@atuljmd123) July 27, 2025
In the 2024 assembly elections, the Mahayuti secured 57 seats with a 13% vote share, while Uddhav’s Sena won 20 seats with 10%. The MNS, despite limited electoral gains, retains a loyal base. Their combined might could jeopardize the BJP’s grip on the cash-rich BMC, long a Shiv Sena bastion.
Uddhav’s growing proximity to Raj poses dilemmas within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), especially for allies Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar). Raj’s past anti-North Indian rhetoric and a 2024 meeting with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis raise doubts about his ideological consistency.
Risks of Overplaying Identity Politics
While the Thackerays’ pitch for Marathi Asmita (Marathi pride) may energize their base, it risks alienating Mumbai’s diverse voter base, including Gujaratis and North Indians. Incidents like the recent MNS-led assault on a Thane shopkeeper over language use highlight the perils of aggressive regionalism.
Despite growing enthusiasm among party workers, a formal electoral alliance faces hurdles—particularly seat-sharing in areas like Worli, Sewri, and Bhandup, where both parties have historically clashed.
Meanwhile, the BJP appears to be hedging its bets. Fadnavis’s recent statement inviting Uddhav back into the ruling alliance suggests the BJP is wary of a Thackeray revival.
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The reunion has sparked emotional reactions across Maharashtra. Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil welcomed the development, calling it “a hopeful step for Marathi politics.” On social media, users hailed the moment as “historic,” while others urged the cousins to focus on governance over symbolism.
As Uddhav noted during their joint rally, “Our appearance together is more important than our speech.” Whether this unity translates into electoral gains or remains a symbolic reconciliation will depend on their ability to navigate ideological differences, forge organizational synergy, and sustain public trust.
Raj Thackeray’s visit to Matoshree may mark more than just a birthday greeting—it could signal the beginning of a Thackeray-led political realignment in Maharashtra. As elections loom and alliances shift, all eyes will be on whether this emotional reunion can redefine the contours of state politics, or whether old rivalries will resurface in new forms.
