Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, cousins and key figures in the Shiv Sena, were once staunch supporters of their uncle, Balasaheb Thackeray, the party’s charismatic founder.

Established in 1966 to champion Marathi rights, Shiv Sena grew under Balasaheb’s leadership, with both  Uddhav and Raj playing pivotal roles. Uddhav, the quieter, organizational mind, managed the party’s newspaper Saamna and built grassroots networks, earning Balasaheb’s trust as a strategist. Raj, dynamic and oratorical, became the public face, mobilizing youth and expanding Sena’s reach through rallies. Both were seen as potential heirs, fostering a familial synergy under Balasaheb’s tutelage.

The rift emerged in the early 2000s, culminating in a dramatic split in 2005. Raj, ambitious and popular, felt sidelined as Balasaheb increasingly favored Uddhav, naming him executive president in 2003. Raj perceived this as nepotism, believing his mass appeal and contributions warranted leadership. Tensions escalated over organizational control and differing visions—Raj pushed for aggressive expansion, while Uddhav prioritized consolidation. Personal slights, including perceived exclusion from key decisions, fueled Raj’s frustration. In December 2005, Raj quit Shiv Sena, accusing Uddhav of stifling talent and betraying Balasaheb’s legacy. He founded the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006, focusing on Marathi identity but with a broader, populist appeal.

Also Read: Verstappen Edges Piastri to Take Pole for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The split fractured Shiv Sena’s base, with Raj’s MNS challenging Uddhav’s leadership in elections. Balasaheb, while publicly neutral, leaned toward Uddhav, deepening the cousins’ estrangement. The 2005 schism, rooted in ambition, ideology, and family dynamics, reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape, leaving a lasting rivalry.

Twenty years later, as both parties have faced the brunt of BJP's explosive growth, there is talk that both cousins will unite towards a common goal. Is this possible? What could such a goal be? Time will tell.

Also Read: #JUST IN: Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire for Ukraine War