The political landscape of Maharashtra is abuzz with speculation about a potential reunion between estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Fueling this speculation are recent comments from Uddhav Thackeray hinting at a possible alliance, stating that "whatever the people of Maharashtra wish will happen."
Amidst this backdrop, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has weighed in on the matter, but with a touch of sardonic humor. Declining to comment directly on the possibility of a Thackeray reunion, Fadnavis quipped, "I don't subscribe to 'begani shaadi mein Abdullah diwana'," an Urdu proverb that translates to "intruding in someone else's wedding." This remark, made while attending a book launch in Pune on Saturday, June 8, 2025, suggests that Fadnavis views the potential alliance as a matter strictly within the Thackeray family's purview, and one in which he has no intention of meddling. He further emphasized that the decision rests solely with the two political leaders involved.
Fadnavis elaborated on his stance, stating that it is up to the two parties and brothers to decide their course of action. Once they make a decision, then he and his party will respond. Until then, he said he would let the media speculate and that he wouldn't be giving any reaction for now.
The speculation surrounding a possible Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance has gained momentum in recent weeks, particularly in light of upcoming civic body polls and the relatively weak performance of both parties in the 2024 assembly elections. Raj Thackeray had parted ways with the undivided Shiv Sena in 2006 to establish the MNS. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has faced its own challenges, especially after the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government in 2022 and the subsequent split within the Shiv Sena party itself.
Within both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, there appears to be a mixed sentiment regarding a potential reunion. Sanjay Raut, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, has suggested that there may have been some communication between the Thackeray cousins. However, MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande has stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) needs to send a formal proposal to Raj Thackeray to initiate any serious discussions. Amit Thackeray, Raj Thackeray's son, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that alliances are not forged through media statements but through direct dialogue between the leaders involved.
Other political figures have also commented on the situation. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe has stated that his party would welcome an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, viewing it as a means to protect Maharashtra's interests and keep the "communal BJP" at bay. Supriya Sule, an MP from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), expressed similar sentiments, welcoming the possibility of the Thackeray cousins uniting and adding strength to the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
The coming together of the two parties could signal a significant shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics. Whether this reunion will actually materialize remains to be seen, but for now, Devendra Fadnavis seems content to watch from the sidelines, offering his commentary with a characteristic touch of wit.
