The Thackeray cousins have sparked a buzz about a possible reconciliation, with statements indicating they could ignore 'trivial issues' and join hands nearly two decades after they parted ways
The Thackeray cousins have stirred speculation of a possible reunion, suggesting they might set aside "trivial issues" nearly two decades after their split. File Pic
Amid growing speculation of a rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have noted that while the prospect is promising, challenges related to personal relations and organisational alignment remain to be addressed.
The Thackeray cousins have stirred speculation of a possible reunion, suggesting they might set aside "trivial issues" nearly two decades after their split, according to PTI.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has stated that unity for the cause of the Marathi manoos is achievable, while former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed willingness to move past minor disputes, stressing that those opposing the state's interests must not be accommodated.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday put up a cryptic post on its social media handles, saying, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)."
The cousins are currently abroad, PTI reported. Raj Thackeray is expected to return in the last week of April, and Uddhav Thackeray in the first week of May.
The reunion buzz has also come at a time when both the parties have reached a nadir about their electoral performance and are going through their toughest political phase.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS drew a blank in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
Leaders of both the parties have, however, said that though Uddhav Thackeray's response to Raj Thackeray's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said both cousins are of different temperaments.
The past baggage over more than two decades has resulted in mistrust towards each other. Raj Thackeray had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 and blamed Uddhav Thackeray for it. He has made it clear several times that he could work under no one but under the late supremo Bal Thackeray.
Last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said family relations are not severed because of politics.
But personal ties are not just restricted to two individuals, it is also about their immediate families, especially the sons of both the cousins, Aaditya (Uddhav Thackeray) and Amit (Raj Thackeray), who are being groomed to helm the organisation eventually.
This will be different, unlike the alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena, Congress and the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2019, said Prakash Akolkar, the author of 'Jai Maharashtra', a book on the history of Shiv Sena.
"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 stated, according to PTI.
He said Bal Thackeray's wife, Meena, was the family's matriarch and played a critical role in the party behind the scenes.
"Now, the spouses [of Uddhav and Raj] are matriarchs of their respective parties and will play a similar role if there is any possibility of reconciliation," Akolkar added, according to PTI.
Maharashtra Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitesh Rane had last week questioned if Uddhav Thackeray had consulted his wife Rashmi before responding to Raj Thackeray's statement that triggered speculation of an alliance.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader acknowledged that the coming together of the two parties is more difficult than it appears.
The prospect of the two cousins coming together has enthused supporters of both parties, but it might not be the case with a section of cadres and party leaders.
"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 stated, according to PTI.
The leader also raised question over the ideologies.
While Raj Thackeray is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav Thackeray has focused on making his 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.
Last week, MNS spokesperson and party's Mumbai President Sandeep Deshpande asked if Uddhav Thackeray would apologise to the 17,000 MNS activists who were slapped with police cases for protesting against loudspeakers outside mosques when he was the chief minister.
(With PTI inputs)
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