Maharashtra eyes a possible reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray ahead of Mumbai civic polls: Reports

Raj Thackeray had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 to start his party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Both Raj and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray have hinted at reuniting amid concerns over alleged threats to Marathi culture and identity, media reports said.

While the BJP and the Congress welcomed such a reunion, a tie-up could mean the Thackerays putting up a joint fight against the saffron outfit in the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections.

The Congress and NCP are optimistic about the same.

In a strong message to Maharashtra voters,  the Thackeray cousins have conveyed a strong message that the state's interests and Marathi culture are above political rivalries.

Speaking at separate events, they hinted it would be beneficial for the state if they came together again.

Raj Thackeray, meanwhile, said the differences between them are "minor" and affecting the Marathi people.

"The disputes and fights between Uddhav and me are minor -- Maharashtra is much bigger than all that. These differences are proving costly for Maharashtra's existence and the Marathi people. Coming together is not difficult. It's a matter of will. It's not just about my desire or selfishness," he said.

Raj assured voters that he would not let his ego come between them if the state wants the cousin brothers to reunite.

His reunion with Uddhav Thackeray would mean his party's departure from unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2024 national elections.

Uddhav, who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT) after the 2022 split, however, had a condition for reuniting with his cousin.

"I'm ready to put aside petty disputes, but there is a condition. We cannot keep switching sides where we are supporting them one day, opposing them the next, and then compromising again. Anyone who acts against Maharashtra's interests -- I will not welcome them, invite them home, or sit with them. Let this be clear first," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

From the Uddhav Thackeray camp, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut hinted at both leaders getting ready to set aside their issues to reconcile.

However, he reiterated the condition that his party's chief had laid down: Raj Thackeray should not give space to Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s "enemies".

A reunion of the Thackeray cousins would reshape Maharashtra's politics, which has seen alliances shift over the past few years.

Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, pending for three years, could be held this October, and if the cousins reunite, their fight against the BJP-led NDA will test their joint working skills and pave the way for future tie-ups.

Responding to the buzz, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP would be happy if the Thackeray cousins reunite.

However, he asserted that they wouldn't be able to defeat the NDA in the upcoming BMC elections.

"We will be happy if they come together. Estranged people should reunite. It is a good thing if their disputes end. I feel the media is reading too much between the lines," said the Chief Minister.