Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion in the works? Fourth meeting fuels speculation ahead of BMC polls

The Thackeray cousins first came together on July 5 after jointly opposing the state government’s move to impose Hindi as a third language in primary schools.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray at the latter’s residence on Wednesday morning. Notably, this was their fourth meeting in two months.

The frequent interactions between the Thackeray cousins have now triggered speculation of a possible alliance ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, however, has insisted that the meeting was a “family visit” arranged at the request of Raj’s mother.

The Thackeray cousins first came together on July 5 after jointly opposing the state government’s move to impose Hindi as a third language in primary schools, a decision later withdrawn. Since then, they have met during Uddhav’s birthday celebrations in July and again during the Ganesh festival in August.

Sanjay Raut, while denying any political discussions on Wednesday, added that he was “confident both will surely come together politically to give a befitting reply to the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.”

Parallely, MNS leaders, too, have hinted at a growing understanding.  “For the alliance to happen, meetings have started, and we as workers are already preparing on the ground,” said MNS worker Avinash Jadhav while interacting with the press on Wednesday.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has already petitioned the BMC for permission to hold its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park, further raising speculation that a joint show of strength could be in the works.

In the meantime, the BJP is, nevertheless, downplaying the buzz.

“We wish them well. Whether they come together as family or for politics, it doesn’t matter to us,” said Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Nonetheless, the optics of four back-to-back meetings between the Thackeray cousins are only adding fuel to talk of a potential reunion, something that could likely reshape Mumbai’s political landscape ahead of the civic polls.