Alliance on the Cards? Thackeray Cousins Spark Buzz Ahead of Maharashtra Civic Polls

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 7th June: As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming civic body elections, political circles are abuzz with speculation over a potential alliance between two estranged cousins—Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. Once part of a united Shiv Sena, the two leaders now head rival factions: Uddhav leads the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), while Raj Thackeray heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a breakaway outfit formed in 2006.

Uddhav Thackeray added fuel to the speculation during a recent interaction, hinting that a political understanding could be on the horizon. “Whatever is in the heart of Maharashtra will happen,” he said, cryptically noting that neither Shiv Sainiks nor MNS workers are confused about the possibility. “We will not give any message, we will give the news directly,” he added.

The speculation follows a pointed remark from Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, who stressed the need for dialogue over posturing. “Alliances aren’t formed through media sound bites or newspaper headlines. Direct dialogue is necessary,” Amit said, adding, “I don’t have any issue with the two brothers coming together.”

The buzz intensified after leaders from both parties appeared together at a puja ceremony for a new MNS office in Nashik. Local leaders, including Nashik district head DG Suryavanshi, suggested that party workers on the ground are prepared for a united front. “Seniors will decide on the union… we tried to show that the workers on the ground are ready for this situation,” he said.

Though no formal talks have been initiated, insiders suggest that candidate selection—should the alliance materialize—will depend on the relative strengths of each party in individual constituencies.

Meanwhile, the BJP has responded to the possibility with caution. Senior BJP leader and MLA Pravin Darekar remarked, “Even if the families come together, political ideologies differ. There is doubt as to how far this will go.”

With growing signs of reconciliation and a shared sense of electoral urgency following recent poor performances, the prospect of a Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance may no longer be far-fetched. However, for now, the political stage remains set for what could become a dramatic family reunion—or yet another episode in Maharashtra’s fractured political theatre.