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Thackeray cousins hold long meeting to finalise Sena (UBT)-MNS seat-sharing ahead of civic elections
- by Webdesk
- 10 Sep 2025
Source: The Time Of India
Mumbai: After weeks of informal interactions and courtesy visits, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came together for a significant meeting on Wednesday. The marathon discussions, held at Raj’s Shivaji Park residence in Dadar, lasted nearly two and a half hours. Uddhav was accompanied by senior party leader and MP Sanjay Raut during this visit.
While Raut clarified that Uddhav’s trip was primarily to meet Raj’s mother, Kunda Thackeray—who had invited him after not getting a chance for an extended chat during Ganesh Chaturthi—the nature of the talks went beyond a family reunion. Sources from both camps confirmed that discussions surrounding a possible Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance and seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming BMC elections were very much on the table.
The timing of the meeting has drawn attention, as it came just two days after a Congress delegation met Uddhav at his Bandra residence, Matoshree. The Congress leaders reportedly explored the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in the run-up to the civic polls and raised the question of whether the MNS could be included within the broader opposition fold.
According to functionaries within the Sena (UBT), Wednesday’s meeting has made it almost certain that the Sena (UBT) and MNS will come together for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. One insider revealed that the MNS is currently eyeing around 90–95 seats, though seat-by-seat negotiations will likely scale that number down to a more practical figure. Political observers have noted that while the meeting may have appeared to be about family bonding, it had clear political undertones that could reshape Mumbai’s political battleground.
This was not the first time in recent months that Uddhav and Raj displayed signs of reconciliation. Last month, Uddhav had visited Raj’s residence during Ganeshotsav after receiving a personal invitation. On that occasion, Uddhav’s wife Rashmi Thackeray and son Aaditya Thackeray also accompanied him, along with other members of the Thackeray family. The Sena (UBT) later posted pictures and details of the visit on X, highlighting the family’s presence. Sanjay Raut, too, had been seen at Raj’s home during the same festival, underlining the visible warmth between the once-divided cousins.
Earlier, in July, Raj had made a highly symbolic visit to Matoshree to personally wish Uddhav on his 65th birthday. This marked Raj’s first appearance at Matoshree since he broke away from the Shiv Sena and established the MNS in 2006. That day, Raj greeted his elder brother warmly, offering a bouquet of red roses, and the two shared a brief 20-minute private conversation after the initial pleasantries. The hug and cordiality displayed on that occasion were viewed by many loyal Shiv Sainiks as a step toward healing long-standing rifts within the Thackeray family.
Observers believe that Raj’s birthday visit, followed by Wednesday’s extensive discussions, represent more than just familial reconciliation—they are indicators of a political rapprochement that is likely to be formalised once the election schedule is officially declared. The emotional significance of Matoshree for Shiv Sainiks further strengthens this narrative. Raj’s presence there was interpreted not only as a gesture of respect for Uddhav’s leadership but also as recognition of his seniority as the head of Shiv Sena (UBT).
If the alliance materialises, it would mark a historic moment in Maharashtra politics, reuniting two factions of the Thackeray family that have been estranged for nearly two decades. For the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, which have traditionally been the Shiv Sena’s strongest turf, such a partnership could significantly alter the balance of power. Political strategists say this combined force may challenge the BJP and test the resilience of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, especially if the Congress has reservations about the MNS joining the bloc.
In essence, while the meeting between Uddhav and Raj carried the guise of a family get-together, it has far-reaching political implications. With further rounds of discussions expected in the coming weeks, the stage is being set for what could be one of the most crucial electoral alliances ahead of the BMC polls.
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