Thackeray Family Reunion Ignites Political Tensions in Maharashtra

Mumbai– The recent public appearance of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray together at a Shiv Sena event has stirred sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, with both accusing the Thackeray cousins of a calculated move driven by political ambition.

The rare joint appearance, the first in over two decades, took place during the Shiv Sena’s 59th foundation day celebration, where Uddhav delivered a speech that drew pointed criticism from his rivals.
Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the Shiv Sena faction aligned with the BJP, described Uddhav’s address as laced with “bitterness” and reflective of a “desperate hunger for power.” Shinde argued that the reunion was a strategic effort to regain political relevance, particularly in light of the upcoming civic polls in Mumbai and other regions. He emphasized that his faction remains focused on serving Maharashtra’s people, dismissing the Thackeray event as a hollow gesture.

The BJP echoed Shinde’s sentiments, with senior leader Devendra Fadnavis accusing the Thackerays of resorting to “political theatrics” to mask their declining influence. Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister, claimed the cousins were attempting to mislead voters by projecting unity, despite their long-standing rivalry. He pointed to the Shiv Sena’s internal split in 2022, which led to Shinde’s faction breaking away, as evidence of Uddhav’s weakened position.

The event, held at a prominent Mumbai venue, saw Uddhav and Raj sharing the stage, a symbolic gesture that drew significant attention due to their history of political estrangement. Raj, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had parted ways with Uddhav’s Shiv Sena in 2006 over ideological differences. Their reunion has fueled speculation about a potential alliance ahead of key elections, though neither leader confirmed such plans.

Uddhav’s speech focused on the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and the party’s commitment to Marathi pride and regional issues. Critics, however, interpreted it as an attempt to rally support amid challenges posed by the Shinde-led faction and the BJP’s dominance in the state. The BJP and Shinde’s camp have consistently framed the Thackerays’ actions as opportunistic, aimed at countering their electoral setbacks.

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As reported by Hindustan Times, the event has heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, with the BJP and Shinde’s Sena vowing to counter any moves by the Thackerays to consolidate power. The coming months will likely see intensified campaigning as parties gear up for crucial municipal elections, with the Thackeray reunion adding a new layer of intrigue to the state’s volatile political landscape.