Maharashtra Bigger Than Any Feud": Raj Thackeray Hints At Possible Thackeray Reunion

"Maharashtra Bigger Than Any Feud": Raj Thackeray Suggests Possible Reunion of Thackerays

By ReportBuzz Staff | Mumbai | July 5, 2025

In a political comment that has tongues talking all over Maharashtra's political circles, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Saturday signaled a potential thaw in relations with his estranged cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. The comment came at a public rally in Pune, where Raj declared, "Maharashtra is greater than any personal rivalry," and said that "if the cause is justifiable, the past can be kept in the past."

The remark is being interpreted as the strongest indication so far that the belligerent Thackeray cousins are moving towards some political accord well before the 2029 Assembly elections, especially considering the opposition coming together is of prime importance in the state.

A Statement Loaded with Implication

Addressing an event organized by a Marathi literary organization, Raj was queried on the political inheritance of the splintered Thackeray family in the future. Though he evaded in the beginning, his tone grew milder when talking of the future of Maharashtra.

"There was a time when we could not see eye to eye. But things change, circumstances change. What is important today is not ego of individuals, but the concept of Maharashtra," he told a deafening applause.

Though Raj did not name Uddhav or Shiv Sena (UBT) specifically, his statement was widely interpreted as an olive branch. ReportBuzz has been informed that the notion of a "wider Marathi front" has been discussed informally for several months by MNS insiders.

Reaction from Both Sides

The leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) remained mum on the issue but did not discount future negotiations. One UBT senior spokesperson, who asked not to be named, stated, "Politics involves maturity. If Rajsaheb is indicating readiness, it's a good sign. But nothing is written yet."

MNS officials seemed more upbeat. General Secretary Sandeep Deshpande stated, "Raj saheb has always kept Maharashtra first. If the state needs an even stronger, more united Marathi voice, he will not hold back."

Political commentators aver that any alliance between the two groups would dramatically shift power equations in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune — all three constituencies where the two parties enjoy strong support bases.

A Legacy of Both Bond and Betrayal

The Thackeray cousins have a troubled history, and theirs has been a trail of political rivalry and personal tension. Raj, who was Bal Thackeray's obvious heir, broke away from the Shiv Sena in 2006 after Uddhav was appointed to head the party.

Ever since, the two politicians have tread separate paths — Raj having formed a more militant, regionalist party in MNS, and Uddhav having guided the Shiv Sena towards a more centristsal, coalition-oriented direction. Their competition was more acute in the time of municipal elections, with both parties competing for the same set of voters.

Yet, recent political shifts — such as fragmentation in the original Shiv Sena and BJP's increased hold in the state — could have introduced new compulsions.

Why Now? Political Timing and Strategy

Both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) underperformed in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJP and its allies, on the other hand, made robust gains in urban and semi-urban constituencies.

With Maharashtra already on the path to Assembly polls in 2029, and increasing public outrage at inflation and traffic jams in megacities, both Thackerays might find it expedient to join hands.

"It's not a matter of liking or disliking anymore," political analyst Smita Patil said. "It's survival and legacy. Both leaders might find more sense in joining hands rather than fighting alone."

Looking Ahead

Whether that translates into real political cooperation is uncertain. But one thing is certain: Raj Thackeray's remark has ushered in a new era in Maharashtra politics — one that could redefine alliances and voter aspirations.

The ball perhaps remains in Uddhav Thackeray's court for the moment. But as people from both sides indicate, even the possibility of reconciling appears no longer impossible.