Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has downplayed the political significance of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's recent visit to "Matoshree," the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, to extend birthday greetings. Fadnavis emphasized that there was "nothing political" in the gesture, framing it as a matter of personal goodwill. This visit marked Raj Thackeray's first formal return to Matoshree since splitting from the Shiv Sena in 2006.

The meeting between the Thackeray cousins occurred on Uddhav Thackeray's 65th birthday. Raj Thackeray was accompanied by senior MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai. Upon arrival, Uddhav Thackeray warmly welcomed Raj with a hug, and Raj presented Uddhav with a bouquet of red roses. Inside Matoshree, the cousins posed for photographs beside a portrait of the late Balasaheb Thackeray.

Fadnavis's remarks came after Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray praised him in a coffee table book released on his birthday. Fadnavis expressed his gratitude for their kind words, stating that while they are ideological opponents, they are not enemies. He further emphasized that birthday wishes and auspicious occasions should not be politicized, as doing so would misrepresent the state's culture.

The meeting between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray has stirred speculation about a potential political alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly with upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on the horizon. The cousins recently shared a public stage after nearly two decades at a rally protesting the imposition of Hindi in schools, signaling a possible thaw in their relationship. Uddhav Thackeray had remarked at the rally that the two have “come together to stay together".

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut characterized the meeting as a reconnection between two brothers, highlighting the emotional aspect of the reunion. According to Raut, the cousins reminisced about shared memories, discussed cartoons, and enjoyed light-hearted moments together. He remained cautiously optimistic about the possibility of a formal political alliance.

Raj Thackeray's visit to Matoshree is his first in over a decade, with the exception of a few brief family events. Political observers have noted the symbolic significance of this gesture, suggesting that it could indicate a softening of stance and potential future collaboration. Some believe that Raj's visit to Matoshree also represents his acceptance of Uddhav's seniority as the "big brother" and Shiv Sena (UBT) president.

Amidst the speculations, Fadnavis has said that MNS chief Raj Thackeray himself has acknowledged that Fadnavis has managed to do what Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray couldn't: bringing the two cousins together.