Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 10: In a move that has set off fresh political speculation in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday made an unplanned visit to the residence of his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at Shivtirtha. Uddhav was accompanied by senior leaders Sanjay Raut and Anil Parab.

A meeting between the two leaders is currently underway. This marks the fourth interaction between the cousins in recent months, fuelling talk of a possible political understanding.

Earlier, Uddhav had visited Raj’s residence during the Ganesh festival, while Raj called on Uddhav at Matoshree on July 27 to wish him on his birthday. On July 5, the cousins even shared a political stage for the first time in two decades, addressing a joint rally in Worli that highlighted Marathi identity and concerns over the perceived imposition of Hindi.

Their growing bonhomie comes at a time when the BJP has expanded its Maharashtra alliance by joining hands with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who broke away from the Shiv Sena in 2022. Political observers say the Thackeray cousins’ outreach could signal realignment efforts in the opposition space ahead of the next polls.