Mumbai, July 16: Two days after Uddhav Thackeray lightheartedly suggested that the two Shiv Sena factions should consider reuniting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded with a quip of his own—one that has now stirred political speculation.
During an exchange in the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis made a seemingly offhand yet politically loaded remark, saying, “Uddhav ji can be considered for inclusion here (in the ruling party),” prompting laughter from those present. He added, “At least till 2029, there is no scope for us to go to the opposition. Uddhav ji might consider coming to this side, and that could be explored differently. But for us, there is no room to go there (opposition).”
The comments come amid renewed buzz around a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), especially ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. While the MNS has previously supported the BJP in state-level contests, it has remained non-committal about its next political move.
On July 5, in a rare public appearance together after two decades, the Thackeray cousins shared the stage to celebrate the state government’s decision to revoke two contentious orders mandating Hindi as a third language in state-run schools from Class 1. The joint appearance reignited discussions about a potential political realignment.
Earlier in April, Raj Thackeray had remarked that past disagreements with his cousin Uddhav were “trivial,” and emphasized the need for unity in the larger interest of the “Marathi manoos.” Uddhav too, in a reconciliatory tone, later expressed willingness to set aside minor differences—on the condition that no association would compromise the state's interests.
Observers noted that Uddhav's remark was a subtle swipe at Raj Thackeray for hosting Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his residence. Amid the ambiguity over political alignments, Raj had also held a meeting with CM Fadnavis at a Mumbai hotel last month—further fuelling speculation about shifting loyalties and emerging alliances.
As Maharashtra gears up for local body elections and eventually the 2029 Assembly polls, the evolving relationships between the Thackerays—and their strategic positioning within or outside the BJP fold—will likely play a pivotal role in reshaping the state’s political landscape.
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