Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s home, ‘Matoshri’, in Mumbai on Sunday. This was Raj Thackeray’s second to Matoshri in a week.
According to news agency PTI, when asked by reporters about the reason for the visit, Raj Thackeray replied, “My mother is with me,” suggesting it was a family gathering. His wife, Sharmila Thackeray, also accompanied him.
The meeting has triggered fresh speculation around a possible collaboration between the two Thackeray cousins ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
While the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have not formally announced an alliance for the civic elections, leaders from both sides have hinted that it is under serious consideration.
This was the sixth publicly known meeting between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray since July 5, when they had shared the stage to celebrate a victory rally after the Maharashtra Government withdrew two controversial government resolutions — one mandating Hindi and the other introducing a three-language formula for students from Class 1 to Class 5.
Raj Thackeray had also paid a visit to Matoshri on October 5 after attending a family function hosted by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut.
The cousins are also expected to meet again on October 14, as part of a delegation that includes Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar and other opposition leaders. The leaders plan to meet the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra.
Once estranged, the two cousins seem to have mended ties following the poor performance of their parties in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections last November.
Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS to jointly protest on Oct 13 over Thane civic body `mismanagement`
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Friday announced a joint protest on Monday, October 13, against the alleged corruption and misgovernance in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), fuelling speculation of a possible alliance for the upcoming civic polls.
According to news agency PTI, at a joint press conference, MNS leader Avinash Jadhav and Sena (UBT) leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Rajan Vichare accused the TMC of rampant corruption, mismanagement, and neglect of basic civic infrastructure.
Thane is suffering from severe traffic congestion, unauthorised constructions, stalled projects, and administrative apathy, the leaders alleged.
Vichare took a swipe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also Thane`s strongman, and said, “Despite having a Rs 3,000 crore budget, the TMC is in debt. The city still lacks a dedicated dam for drinking water, even though someone who was CM and is now deputy CM represents this area.”
Jadhav added, “From now on, our fight will be united. The next elections won`t be won with money, but with public support and the truth about corruption.”
Local units of Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) will also join the protest, the leaders confirmed.
(With PTI inputs)
