Reunion on the horizon: Thackeray cousins could alter contours of Sena politics

Mumbai: "Zero plus zero equals zero": Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam took jibe at the recent reports of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray putting out feelers to bury the hatchet. Notwithstanding the senior Sena leader's dismissal of any impact from the potential reunion of the two Thackeray cousins, the ruling Shiv Sena, along with its senior partner BJP, is keenly watching the development. 

Pushed out of power following the massive coup by loyalist-turned-rebel Eknath Shinde and the drubbing in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav has only a few options left. Similar is the case with Raj, whose Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) failed to make any mark in the state politics, despite its leader delivering fiery public speeches now and then. 

Faced with an existential crisis, the cousins are trying a reunion during the crucial 2025-26 period. The coming year is important for the Thackeray family for two reasons. "It marks the 100th birth anniversary of Balasaheb and 60th foundation year of the Shiv Sena," says veteran political analyst Prakash Akolkar, who has written three books on Maharashtra politics, including the first biography of the Sena. 

In addition, the elections to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), along with 18 other municipal corporations, could be held in late 2025 or early 2026. The BMC is Sena's backyard, where it took birth and grew, and the urban civic election results could play a major role in reviving the fortunes of the Thackerays. 

That's why Uddhav and Raj's public statements about a reunion -- for the first time in two decades — are seen as significant, despite the Shinde Sena brushing aside the thaw in the ties. 

Founded by late senior Thackeray in 1966 for the larger cause of Marathi-Manoos, the 'real' Shiv Sena is now in the hands of 'outsider' Shinde, though he was not the first to raise the flag of rebellion in the party. The regional saffron outfit had seen three other bouts of rifts earlier — by Chhagan Bhujbal in 1991, Narayan Rane in 2005 and Raj Thackeray in 2005-06. What made Shinde's coup significant was that he got control of the party and its familiar 'Dhanushya-Baan' (bow and arrow) electoral symbol. 

"When Balasaheb founded Shiv Sena, the Marathi-Manoos was the key issue. And now, at a time when Uddhav and Raj are speaking of burying differences and coming together for the larger interests of Maharashtra, the same issue is on the forefront because of the New Education Policy (NEP)," says Akolkar.

From the iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Balasaheb, in his first Dussehra rally on October 30, 1966, gave the message of "Eighty takke samaj-karan, 20 takke raj-karan" (80% social work, 20% politics). Now, Uddhav and Raj are planning to go "back to basics" for the revival of their respective parties. 

The recent row over the Devendra Fadnavis government's decision to introduce Hindi as the compulsory third language in schools in the state on the lines of the NEP has brought both Uddhav and Raj on the page. Facing backlash from the Opposition as well as Maratha activists, the state government swiftly revoked the decision and announced that only Marathi would be compulsory.  

"Coming together for Maharashtra does not mean coming together only for elections. Marathi can also bring people together. Just like Tamil Nadu, where political  parties come together on the Cauvery issue, what is the problem with Maharashtra parties coming together for Marathi? Thinking only about elections is narrow-minded," says close aide of Raj and MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande.

Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, who is Uddhav's Man Friday and also shares a good relationship with Raj, is optimistic about the cousins' reunion. "There is no announcement of an alliance. Currently, emotional talks are going on. They meet at family events. They are brothers," he says. 

If Raut's optimism comes true, the biggest blow would be to Shinde, the former CM-turned-deputy CM. "…arey, speak of development, ask about it," he reacted when asked about the statements of Raj and Uddhav.

However, if the two cousins decide to join hands, it is likely to be a long-drawn process. 

"It is also important to ensure that Uddhav's son Aaditya, who is a two-time Worli MLA and a former minister, and Amit, son of Raj, who lost the election from Mahim, are on the same page. The next generation needs to have the same bonding," says a Thackeray family insider. "While Uddhav is rigid, Raj has a big ego," he points out. 

Uddhav’s father, late Balasaheb and Raj’s father, late Shrikant, a music composer, were brothers while Uddhav's mother, late Meenatai, and Raj’s mother, Kundatai, are sisters. 

Shiv Sainiks on the ground feel that Uddhav and Raj must come together, but they too feel it is a challenging path.