Uddhav Thackeray Joins Raj for Ganesh Chaturthi

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited his cousin Raj Thackeray’s residence, ‘Shivtirth’, in Dadar on Wednesday to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, signaling a strengthening bond between the two leaders ahead of Maharashtra’s local body polls. Accompanied by his son Aaditya and wife Rashmi, Uddhav joined the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, a tradition Raj has upheld annually at his home.

This visit marks the third public interaction between the once-estranged cousins in recent months, fueling speculation of a potential alliance. On July 5, they shared a stage to celebrate the state government’s rollback of controversial three-language formula policies for Classes 1-5, which they criticized as imposing Hindi. Last month, Raj visited Uddhav’s ‘Matoshri’ residence in Bandra to wish him on his 65th birthday, further hinting at reconciliation.

The Thackeray cousins, who parted ways in 2006 when Raj formed MNS after leaving Shiv Sena, have historically clashed over ideology and leadership. However, their recent meetings suggest a strategic alignment to counter the ruling BJP-Shinde Sena coalition in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, expected by early 2026. Political analysts note that a Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up could reshape Mumbai’s political landscape, given MNS’s influence in Marathi-speaking strongholds.

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Uddhav, speaking to reporters outside ‘Shivtirth’, said, “Ganeshotsav unites us all. I pray for Maharashtra’s prosperity and harmony.” Raj echoed the sentiment, welcoming Uddhav and emphasizing cultural unity. The visit, amid vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Mumbai, included traditional aarti and modak offerings, attended by local MNS and Sena (UBT) workers, reinforcing the festive and political significance.

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