As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach, political tensions are escalating in Maharashtra amid speculation of a possible reconciliation between the long-estranged Thackeray cousins — Uddhav and Raj. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has begun publicly advocating for a reunion, calling it “essential” for safeguarding Maharashtra’s interests. According to the party, the ruling alliances in both Mumbai and Delhi are attempting to derail any such move out of fear that a Thackeray alliance could threaten many political careers. “Just the prospect of Uddhav and Raj coming together has shaken the ruling parties,” wrote Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut in *Saamana*, the party’s mouthpiece. “Leaders in Delhi and Maharashtra are nervous, especially Eknath Shinde, who knows such a reunion could collapse his political standing.”

 

Raut further alleged that Shinde recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and proposed merging with the BJP while pitching himself as Maharashtra’s chief minister — a move aimed at blocking the Thackeray rapprochement. He also claimed that MLAs like Uday Samant and Sanjay Shirsat have been bragging that Shinde and Shah will derail any alliance between the Thackerays.

 

At the centre of the speculation is a joint rally held by Uddhav and Raj on July 5, where the two protested the imposition of Hindi as a third language in schools, presenting it as a threat to Marathi culture. Uddhav struck an emotional chord, stating the brothers had reunited “to stay united.” However, while Raj also spoke in defence of Marathi identity, he did not explicitly endorse a political partnership — a silence that now casts uncertainty over the situation.

 

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) remains cautious. “Such decisions are taken by our supreme leader,” said MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar. “Raj Thackeray will decide at the appropriate time. We are prepared for all scenarios, including contesting solo.”

 

Meanwhile, the Sena (UBT) continues to build momentum around the idea of a Thackeray reunion, with Raut stoking regional sentiment by claiming there is growing discontent among Marathi speakers over what he described as the rising influence of Jains and Gujaratis under Amit Shah’s policies. “The rally restored confidence among Marathi voters, but the real test lies in a formal political alliance,” Raut said. He told reporters that the rally had a “positive” atmosphere, though a final decision will likely follow the announcement of BMC election dates. Raut also voiced concerns about Shinde and Fadnavis meeting Raj in secret.

 

In response, the BJP dismissed the developments as desperation. “This shows how helpless Uddhav, Aaditya, and Raut have become,” said BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye. “They once branded Raj and his party irrelevant. Now they’re chasing him for an alliance. This isn’t strategy — it’s sheer survival.”