Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), made a significant visit to Matoshri on Sunday to meet his brother and the head of Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray. This visit celebrates Uddhav's birthday, but it also holds profound political implications. The last instance Raj Thackeray visited Matoshri was about six years ago, inviting the Uddhav family to his son Amit Thackeray's wedding.
Greeting Uddhav on His Birthday
Recently, during a rally at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, the Thackeray brothers shared a stage, and now Raj Thackeray has met Uddhav at his home. Raj's visit to Matoshri is perceived as a crucial moment in Maharashtra's political landscape, as he scarcely visited Matoshri after parting ways with Shiv Sena, except on very rare occasions. About 13 years ago, he had returned during the ill health of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
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Previously, every time Raj Thackeray visited Matoshri, there was a critical reason. Yet, this is the first instance he has willingly visited his brother Uddhav Thackeray to extend birthday wishes. This 'brotherhood' is perceived as a significant sign of future unity among the Thackeray brothers.
In the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi extended his birthday greetings to Uddhav on X, stating, 'Best wishes and congratulations to Shiv Sena President and INDIA alliance partner Uddhav Thackeray on your birthday. May you remain healthy and live long, fighting for the rights and interests of Maharashtra's people along with us.'
Source: aajtak
Together on a Stage After 20 Years
Earlier this month, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray conducted a joint rally, marking their first shared stage appearance in two decades. The leaders collaboratively organized a Marathi Victory Rally. During this event, Raj Thackeray remarked that Devendra Fadnavis achieved something even Balasaheb Thackeray couldn’t, by bringing us onto the same stage.
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During the rally, Uddhav declared that their unity is intentional and emphasized sticking together. Targeting the BJP, he asserted they've initiated a use-and-throw policy with people, stating they'll expel them now. Uddhav declared that Hindutva has no single custodian and that they needn't be taught Hindutva. Fadnavis remarked he'd not tolerate hooliganism, but if fighting for language signifies hooliganism, they stand as rowdies.
Are the Thackeray Brothers Gearing Up to Contest Elections Together?
The burgeoning warmth amongst the Thackeray brothers is being regarded as a strong political message. Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut remarked the people of Maharashtra wish for both brothers to contest elections together. He dismissed the requirements of the MVA and INDIA block, emphasizing these alliances were for separate elections and are irrelevant for local elections. Speculations suggest Raj and Uddhav might collaboratively contest the BMC elections.
