Mumbai, July 27, 2025 – In a significant political development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the iconic residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, after a gap of six years. The visit, marked by warmth and symbolism, has stirred political circles, hinting at a potential alliance ahead of the crucial Maharashtra municipal elections.
Raj, accompanied by senior MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai, arrived at Matoshree with a bouquet of roses to wish Uddhav Thackeray on his birthday. This high-profile meeting comes just weeks after the cousins shared a public stage for the first time in two decades, signaling a possible thaw in relations and political realignment.
Table of Contents
Raj Thackeray’s Visit to Matoshree: A Symbolic Gesture Background: The Thackeray Family Rift Since 2006 Recent Rally in Mumbai: Unity on Marathi Identity Statements by Raj and Uddhav: A New Chapter Begins Political Significance: Upcoming Civic Polls in Maharashtra Historical Context: Raj Thackeray’s Last Visit to Matoshree Public and Political Reactions Will MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) Forge an Alliance? Impact on Maharashtra Politics Conclusion: A Turning Point in Thackeray Politics?
1. Raj Thackeray’s Visit to Matoshree: A Symbolic Gesture
On Sunday morning, Raj Thackeray was welcomed at Matoshree with cordiality. He was seen greeting Uddhav Thackeray with a bouquet of red roses and posing for photographs alongside a portrait of Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena and uncle to Raj.
Inside Matoshree, Raj paid his respects to Balasaheb by bowing before his iconic chair, a gesture that has long been symbolic of loyalty to Thackeray legacy. This moment was widely circulated on social media and sparked discussions about a potential family reunion not just in personal terms but politically as well.
2. Background: The Thackeray Family Rift Since 2006
Raj Thackeray had split from Shiv Sena in 2006, forming the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The fallout, both political and personal, led to a cold war between the cousins. Over the years, direct interactions were rare, and the two leaders competed fiercely for the Marathi Manoos vote base.
Despite Balasaheb Thackeray’s passing in 2012, reconciliation seemed distant. Raj had last formally visited Matoshree in 2012, during Balasaheb’s final days. In January 2019, Raj made a brief visit to invite Uddhav for his son Amit Thackeray’s wedding, but political tensions remained high.
3. Recent Rally in Mumbai: Unity on Marathi Identity
Earlier this month, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray shared a public stage at a rally in Worli, Mumbai. It was the first time in 20 years that the two leaders addressed a public gathering together.
The rally focused on Marathi identity, and opposition to the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra. Both leaders emphasized unity among Marathi-speaking people and preserving the culture and rights of Maharashtrians.
“We have come together to stay together… We have united to protect Marathi,” said Uddhav Thackeray.
“This is just the beginning. Our coming together is just a trailer,” he added, hinting at future collaboration.
4. Statements by Raj and Uddhav: A New Chapter Begins
At the rally, Raj Thackeray acknowledged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, humorously stating:
“Fadnavis has done what even Balasaheb couldn’t – he brought me and Uddhav together.”
This statement drew applause and reflected a shift in dynamics. Uddhav, now a key leader in the opposition alliance, suggested a joint effort to reclaim Mumbai’s civic body and extend control across Maharashtra.
Both leaders indicated that they were ready to set aside past differences and collaborate for the larger cause of Marathi unity and regional pride.
5. Political Significance: Upcoming Civic Polls in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is set to hold elections in 29 municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC, Asia’s richest civic body, has been the bastion of Shiv Sena for decades.
However, after Eknath Shinde’s revolt and the split in Shiv Sena, control of BMC has become crucial for both Uddhav’s faction (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS.
A possible electoral alliance could be game-changing, especially in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nashik, where both parties enjoy significant Marathi support.
6. Historical Context: Raj Thackeray’s Last Visit to Matoshree
2012: Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree to meet ailing Balasaheb Thackeray. 2019: Brief visit to invite Uddhav for Amit Thackeray’s wedding. 2025: First full-fledged visit in 6 years, seen as personal and political reconciliation.
This visit is different. It is not limited to personal courtesy, but aligns with strategic political developments.
7. Public and Political Reactions
The public has reacted with mixed emotions. While some welcome the reunion, others question whether it’s politically motivated ahead of elections.
Political analysts suggest the visit may have been calculated to send a message to Marathi voters, who are disillusioned by recent political instability.
Leaders from the BJP and Eknath Shinde camp have dismissed the reunion as “cosmetic”, but ground-level cadres of both MNS and Shiv Sena UBT have expressed enthusiasm, seeing the move as reclaiming Balasaheb’s legacy.
8. Will MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) Forge an Alliance?
The question of alliance is now at the forefront. During a recent MNS conclave in Igatpuri, Raj stated:
“Any decision about alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) will be taken at an appropriate time.”
Political experts believe that talks are underway and both parties are weighing options. A formal announcement could be made ahead of civic polls, especially in Mumbai and Thane.
Such an alliance could consolidate the Marathi vote, pose a serious challenge to BJP-Shinde alliance, and change Maharashtra’s political landscape.
9. Impact on Maharashtra Politics
If Raj and Uddhav join hands, the opposition alliance will gain significant strength. It would also:
Reunite the Thackeray brand, which remains strong among Marathi voters. Increase pressure on CM Eknath Shinde, who faces legitimacy questions. Give the INDIA bloc (national opposition) a boost in Maharashtra.
Furthermore, it may revive MNS’s fortunes, which have been waning over the years, while Shiv Sena (UBT) regains lost organizational strength in urban Maharashtra.
10. Conclusion: A Turning Point in Thackeray Politics?
Raj Thackeray’s visit to Matoshree marks a turning point not just in family relations but in Maharashtra’s political future. As the state gears up for civic polls, the symbolic reunion could soon become a formal political alliance.
For Marathi voters, the return of Thackeray unity could signal hope for regional identity preservation. For political observers, it’s a dynamic realignment with significant electoral implications.
Will this Thackeray reunion last beyond the elections? Will it reshape state and national politics? The coming months will reveal how this new chapter unfolds in Maharashtra’s complex political saga.