A partnership with Raj’s MNS will support Uddhav’s Shiv Sena prior to the BMC elections and cast doubt on Shinde’s assertions regarding the Thackeray legacy.
The possibility of a reunion between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has sparked widespread approval, though Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde displayed visible irritation when questioned about their recent reconciliatory remarks. Shinde’s uncharacteristic reaction, while unsurprising, reflects the potential threat a united Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) poses to his dominance, especially after he believed the battle for Sena supremacy was won.
Shinde’s frustration is compounded by a recent meeting with Raj at his residence, where discussions focused on preparations for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Previous attempts at peace between the Uddhav and Raj camps have faltered, but this effort appears more serious, particularly given Uddhav’s weakened position after Sena (UBT)’s poor performance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections compared to Shinde’s faction.
Raj signaled openness to reconciliation on a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, downplaying disputes with Uddhav as minor and emphasizing Maharashtra’s broader interests. Uddhav echoed this at a Mumbai party event, expressing willingness to unite for the state’s sake. Shinde, when pressed on the matter in his native village Dare, Satara, curtly deflected, saying, “Let’s talk about work.”
Having secured the Shiv Sena name, symbol, and a strong electoral position as the second-largest party in the Assembly, Shinde returned as Deputy Chief Minister in a robust Mahayuti government. His recent meeting with Raj was seen as an attempt to further weaken Sena (UBT) by aligning on Marathi Manoos and Hindutva issues, where Uddhav’s Congress alliance has left him vulnerable. A Raj-Uddhav alliance, however, could bolster Sena (UBT) and intensify scrutiny of Shinde’s legitimacy as a Thackeray legacy “usurper.” Raj’s 2005 exit from the united Sena to form MNS stemmed from Uddhav’s rise as Bal Thackeray’s heir, when Shinde was a relatively obscure Thane leader.
Shinde’s prominence emerged from his 2022 revolt, splitting the Sena with a majority of its MLAs. A Thackeray reunion could sway Sena cadres loyal to the family, questioning Shinde’s authority. Even in the Lok Sabha polls, Uddhav’s faction outperformed Shinde’s, winning nine seats to seven, though the BJP’s dominance in the Assembly elections bolstered Shinde’s faction.
Beyond the Thackeray challenge, Shinde faces pressure from the BJP’s growing influence. After failing to secure the chief ministership and desired portfolios, Shinde contends with perceptions that the BJP favors NCP’s Ajit Pawar. The BJP’s aim for a “100% BJP” government adds to his unease.
Other Sena leaders have dismissed the Thackeray reunion, with Sanjay Shirsat sarcastically offering to “distribute sweets,” Sanjay Nirupam calling it “two zeros,” and Naresh Mhaske labeling Uddhav a “modern Duryodhan.” Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut retorted that Shinde’s anxiety stems from seizing the Sena through “devious methods and betrayal.”
CM Devendra Fadnavis, mindful of the Thackerays’ Mumbai influence, cautiously welcomed the potential reunion. Uddhav’s allies, including NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, who called it a “golden moment,” and Congress’s Harshvardhan Sapkal, who found it “heartening,” also expressed enthusiasm.
