Thackeray Brothers Reunite After 19 Years, Political Alliance Possible

The possibility of a political alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in Maharashtra has increased. Uddhav Thackeray went to meet Raj Thackeray at his residence and talked for two and a quarter hours. It is believed that this conversation was about including Raj Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi as local body elections are to be held in Maharashtra soon.

The Thackeray brothers of Maharashtra, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, who were politically separate for about 19 years, are now moving towards a political alliance. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reached his cousin Raj Thackeray's house to meet him.

The two talked for two and a quarter hours. It is believed that this conversation was about including Raj Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Uddhav Thackeray today reached Raj Thackeray's residence 'Shivtirth' with his two colleagues Sanjay Raut and Anil Parab. Raj Thackeray's residence is located right opposite the same historic Shivaji Park, where Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray had continuously addressed Shiv Sainiks on the day of Vijayadashami from the inception of Shiv Sena to his recovery.

Now that tradition is being carried forward by Uddhav Thackeray, president of the divided Shiv Sena i.e. Shiv Sena (UBT). A few days ago, Uddhav and Raj came together on a platform for the first time in protest against making Hindi studies compulsory from primary classes in Maharashtra.

After this, last month Raj Thackeray went to Uddhav Thackeray's Bandra house 'Matoshree' to wish him on his birthday. Today, Uddhav reached Raj Thackeray's house with his two colleagues, which further sweetened the relationship.

The details of the conversation between the two brothers at Raj's house have not been clarified by Shiv Sena (Uttar Pradesh) or Raj Thackeray's party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. But it is believed that the topic of discussion between the two was to include Raj Thackeray in the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Because local body elections are to be held in Maharashtra soon.

Congress, a major constituent of MVA, wants clarity on Uddhav's growing closeness to Raj. Uddhav had discussed with Congress leaders a day earlier. Congress has made it clear that the decision to include Raj Thackeray in MVA will be taken by its high command.

Congress does not want to reduce its old seats in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Whether Raj Thackeray joins MVA or not, he should get seats from Shiv Sena (UBT)'s share.

It is believed that in the meeting held on Wednesday, Uddhav Thackeray has also invited Raj Thackeray to join Shiv Sena's traditional Dussehra rally, so that just before the BMC elections, the message can be given once again to the Marathi-speaking voters of Mumbai that the Thackeray family is now united.