The warmth between once-bitter cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray was on full display at a Diwali event on Friday, marking a symbolic reunion of the Thackeray family and further fuelling speculation of a formal political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The occasion was the annual `Deepotsav` event hosted by MNS at Shivaji Park, Central Mumbai, a venue steeped in political history for the Thackerays.
The event turned into a rare family gathering as Uddhav Thackeray, former Chief Minister and head of Shiv Sena (UBT), not only attended but inaugurated the celebration, signalling a deepening reconciliation with his cousin and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, reported the PTI.
In a notable show of unity, Uddhav and Raj arrived in the same car, under full media glare. In a second vehicle, their sons, Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray, were seen seated side-by-side, accompanied by Tejas Thackeray and Urvashi Thackeray, their respective siblings. Rashmi Thackeray and Sharmila Thackeray, the spouses of Uddhav and Raj, arrived together in a third car, according to the PTI.
An emotional moment came when Kunda Thackeray, Raj’s mother and Uddhav Thackeray’s maternal and paternal aunt, was seen tearing up at the family reunion, as per the PTI.
While the event was festive in nature, the underlying political messaging was unmistakable. With crucial local body elections, both rural and urban, due before 31 January 2026, leaders from both parties signalled that a formal alliance is now merely a matter of time.
“Today`s Diwali is special. The unity of Marathi manoos and its light will bring happiness in everyone’s lives,” said Uddhav Thackeray in his address, the news agency reported.
In a post on X, Aaditya Thackeray wrote, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park is once again ready to shine brightly. The Deepotsav, organised by MNS, is a visual delight. This year, the illumination will be inaugurated by party chief Uddhavsaheb Thackeray. I’m thrilled to witness this.”
Meanwhile, this was the seventh meeting between the cousins and third in October alone since their surprise reunion on 5 July 2025.
The rift between Uddhav and Raj dates back to 2005, when Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena citing differences with Uddhav and launched the MNS in 2006. Their rivalry has defined Mumbai’s political theatre ever since.
However, the poor performance of both parties in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 seats and MNS none, appears to have pushed the two leaders toward reconciliation and survival through unity.
In a pointed shift from previous years, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP leaders, who inaugurated the MNS Deepotsav in 2022, were nowhere in sight this year. Raj Thackeray had extended his support to BJP in past elections, making this renewed Thackeray family alliance all the more significant.
Political observers now see the merging of forces as imminent, especially with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) trying to revive its grassroots connect and MNS seeking relevance ahead of local elections, the PTI reported.
(with PTI inputs)
