In another display of unity and symbolism, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray came together on Friday evening for the MNS-organised ‘Deepotsav’ celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
The reunion, held in the heart of the Marathi-dominated Dadar, was more than just a festive spectacle. With the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections looming, the event carried unmistakable political symbolism, signalling a potential political reconciliation between the Thackeray cousins.
Uddhav and Raj, along with their families, shared the stage amid loud cheers from the crowd. Uddhav inaugurated the Diwali-themed event after first visiting Raj’s residence, ‘Shivtirth.’ The two then arrived together at Shivaji Park in the same car — a powerful image of unity captured by the media.
“Today’s Diwali is special. The unity of Marathi manoos and its light will bring happiness in everyone’s lives,” Uddhav said during the celebrations.
Aaditya Thackeray, ahead of the event, wrote on social media, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park is once again ready to shine brightly in dazzling light! The special highlight is that the illumination during this Deepotsav enhances the beauty of our park, making it stand out.”
Though no overt political announcements were made, the optics left little doubt about the undercurrent — the Thackeray family appearing together ahead of crucial local body elections was a strong message in itself.
The Shiv Sena, which has dominated the BMC since 1997, faces a major challenge after the party split in 2022, when Eknath Shinde’s rebellion toppled the Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. For the Sena (UBT), a possible understanding with Raj’s MNS could help consolidate the Marathi vote, which was divided after Raj’s exit from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005.
Analysts say that while the MNS holds a limited overall vote share, its concentrated influence in Marathi-speaking wards could prove decisive in close contests — especially in nearly 90 wards of Mumbai.
Both the MNS and Sena (UBT) suffered electoral setbacks in the 2024 assembly elections, with MNS failing to win a single seat. Since then, the two leaders have met multiple times, reportedly exploring a path of cooperation.
Friday’s shared stage at Shivaji Park could well mark the start of a new political chapter for the Thackeray cousins.
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