Raj and Uddhav Thackeray Reunion: Cousins Call for Unity in Maharashtra’s Interest

Raj and Uddhav Thackeray Reunion: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray spark reunion buzz, calling their past differences “trivial” and emphasizing unity for the sake of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos.

Mumbai:In a development that has ignited a fresh wave of political speculation in Maharashtra, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have signaled openness to a potential political reunion, putting aside years of rivalry in favor of unity for the greater good of the Marathi manoos.

The buzz around their rapprochement comes at a time when both their political outfits — Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) — are grappling with diminishing influence, as seen in the recent Assembly elections. While Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to win just 20 seats, the MNS failed to open its account, with even Raj’s son, Amit Thackeray, losing his debut contest.

But recent statements from both leaders have given rise to a new narrative — one of unity over ego.

“Our Issues Are Trivial Compared to Maharashtra’s Future”: Raj Thackeray

In an interview with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar on his podcast, Raj Thackeray reflected on the past, saying he had no personal issue working with Uddhav when they were part of the united Shiv Sena.

“For a bigger cause, our fights and issues are trivial. Maharashtra is very big. For Maharashtra, for the existence of Marathi manoos, these fights are very small,” Raj said.

Calling for unity, he emphasized that ego should not stand in the way of cooperation, and he floated the idea that all Maharashtrians should come together under one party.

Uddhav Responds: “I Am Also Ready to Let Go of Minor Disagreements”

Reacting to Raj’s comments, Uddhav Thackeray addressed his party workers and struck a similarly conciliatory tone — albeit with a caveat. Without naming his cousin directly, he said:

“I am also ready to put aside trivial issues and appeal to everyone to come together for the sake of Marathi manoos. But first, we must decide that those working against Maharashtra’s interests will not be welcomed — not even in our homes.”

Uddhav took a veiled swipe at Raj for recently hosting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde at his residence. He cautioned against flip-flop politics, saying one cannot support BJP during Lok Sabha polls, then oppose it in Assembly elections, and still claim to prioritize Maharashtra’s interests.

Civic Polls in Mumbai Add Political Weight to Reunion Buzz

The timing of this newfound warmth between the Thackerays is significant. Municipal elections in Mumbai are around the corner, and Shiv Sena (UBT) is under immense pressure to protect its Mumbai bastion from a resurgent BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

The possibility of a Raj-Uddhav alliance could reshape the city’s political landscape and rekindle a consolidated Marathi identity that both leaders often claim to protect.

Congress Reacts: “Reunion Should Be Welcomed”

Responding to the growing buzz, Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal said the potential unity should not be viewed negatively.

“If two families are coming together for the state’s welfare, there is no reason to object. Raj Thackeray’s comments appear to reflect growing concern about BJP’s influence and its impact on Maharashtra’s investments and cultural integrity,” Sapkal stated.

He also invoked Maharashtra’s inclusive values, rooted in the ideologies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, criticizing BJP for allegedly trying to alter the language and cultural fabric of the state.

Will Ego Give Way to Marathi Unity?

Raj Thackeray, who split from Shiv Sena in 2006 and launched MNS with a hardline son-of-the-soil agenda, has been one of Uddhav’s sharpest critics in the past. However, the current political climate — marked by electoral setbacks and growing BJP dominance — seems to be forcing a rethink.

Whether this reunion buzz translates into a formal alliance remains to be seen. But for now, both leaders have extended an olive branch, putting Maharashtra’s interest over personal pride — a move that could set the stage for a major political shift in the state.