Uddhav, Fadnavis Visit Raj Thackeray’s Mumbai Residence on Ganesh Chaturthi

Rapid Summary

• Ganesh Chaturthi gathering: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, visited his cousin Raj Thackeray, MNS president, at the latter’s residence in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on August 27, 2025.
• Family Rapprochement: This marks another indication of improving ties between the two estranged cousins ahead of critical local body polls in Maharashtra.
• social Media Post: Photos shared by Uddhav’s side highlighted their family unity with symbolism, including a portrait of grandparents and parents.
• political Implications: Discussions suggest potential collaboration between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS to counter political adversaries-primarily the BJP-in upcoming elections.
• Previous Interactions: Raj visited Uddhav on his birthday in July and earlier joined him to celebrate their “victory” amid protests against imposition of Hindi language directives by the state goverment.
• Past Split: Raj formed MNS after leaving undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 due to alleged differences with Uddhav,while Uddhav leads a splintered Shiv Sena post-June 2022. Both parties faced electoral setbacks in Maharashtra’s 2024 assembly polls.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The continuing public rapprochement between estranged cousins Uddhav thackeray and Raj Thackeray signals emerging new dynamics in Maharashtra politics as local body elections approach. Their familial solidarity during Ganesh Chaturthi seems strategic given its timing amidst political realignments. While no formal alliance has been announced yet, hints dropped by both sides suggest that pooling resources might potentially be critical for survival after recent electoral failures.

A combined effort by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS could perhaps challenge BJP’s dominance across key urban centers like Mumbai but raises questions about whether historical grievances can truly be set aside for long-term cooperation. simultaneously occurring, Raj’s continued engagement with CM Devendra Fadnavis indicates possible complexities involving multi-polar relationships within Maharashtra politics moving forward.

Read more: The Hindu.