Thackeray cousins | As Uddhav, Raj reunite for civic body polls, here's how it shaped up over decadesHere's a timeline of what led the cousins to again come together for the ‘Marathi manoos’
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray pay tributes at the memorial of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park
Credit: PTI Photo
Putting months of speculation to rest, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Wednesday formally announced the alliance of their parties ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
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Addressing a joint news conference in Mumbai along with Raj, Uddhav said the two parties have come together to stay together. The cousins said they have united for the cause of Maharashtra. Here's a timeline of what led the cousins to again come together for the ‘Marathi manoos’:
January 23, 1926: Bal Thackeray born in Pune
1950-60s: Stint as cartoonist with The Free Press Journal
August 13, 1960: Founded Marmik, weekly that focussed on issues of Marathi manoos
June 19, 1966: Shiv Sena formed, larger cause was welfare and interests of Marathi manoos
October 30, 1966: Shiv Sena's first Dussehra rally held at the historic Shivaji Park
March 14, 1995- November 18, 1999: Shiv Sena-BJP government comes to power - late Dr Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane serve as Chief Ministers
February 2003: Balasaheb’s son Uddhav Thackeray becomes Shiv Sena’s Executive President, cousin Raj Thackeray proposes his name at Mahabaleshwar conclave
October 2005: Raj Thackeray shows signs of revolt, leaves Shiv Sena
March 9 2006: Raj Thackeray launches Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
November 17, 2012: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray dies of prolonged illness, aged 86
Lok Sabha polls 2019: In Lok Sabha polls, Raj refrains from putting candidates, but targets Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah
November 26, 2019: Uddhav Thackeray declared leader of Maha Vikas Aghadi, appointed Chief Minister
June 21, 2022: Top Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde revolts, splits the 56-year-old 'original' Shiv Sena
June 30, 2022: Eknath Shinde sworn in as CM, Devendra Fadnavis his deputy
July 4 2022: Eknath Shinde wins trust vote, calls is group "real" Shiv Sena
2023: Election Commission declares Shinde-faction as real Shiv Sena while Uddhav had to settle for Shiv Sena (UBT)
May 2024: In Lok Sabha polls, Shiv Sena (UBT), which is part of opposition MVA-INDIA alliance, performs well winning nine seats.
October 2024: In Vidhan Sabha polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) manages just 20 seats while Raj fails to open account.
April 19, 2025: Raj and Uddhav asserts to sink differences and come on one platform for the larger interests of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos.
July 3, 2025: Uddhav and Raj come together in one platform after nearly two decades on the issue of Marathi language
December 24, 2025: Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS seal electoral alliance for Mumbai civic polls, other municipal corporations
2026: Significant year for the Thackerays - it marks the 100th birth anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray and 60th foundation year of Shiv Sena
