A major development unfolded in Maharashtra's politics on Thursday (August 21st) morning when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his Varsha bungalow.
Mumbai: Maharashtra politics took a significant turn on Thursday morning when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha Bungalow. This meeting has stirred political circles, especially given the recent intensifying discussions about a potential alliance between Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray.
Although official details of the discussion between the two leaders have not been revealed, the meeting is being linked to pre-electoral equations ahead of the upcoming civic elections.
Speculation of Uddhav-Raj Alliance Intensifies
The Thackeray brothers, who have politically followed separate paths for the past two decades, recently appeared on the same stage for the first time. On July 5th, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray came together on the issue of the Marathi language and Marathi pride (Marathi Manoos), and later jointly contested the BEST Credit Society elections. However, this partnership was unsuccessful. The Thackeray group, usually dominant, suffered a crushing defeat in this election and failed to even open their account. This unsuccessful start has raised questions about whether the Thackeray brothers' alliance will last in the upcoming elections.
Municipal elections are scheduled to be held soon in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray's close aide Sanjay Raut and other leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) have indicated that they may contest elections in alliance with Raj Thackeray. However, Raj Thackeray has not made any clear statement on this so far. Neither he nor any of his leaders has officially confirmed the alliance. This is why the meeting with Fadnavis is being viewed from a different perspective.
Unity on Marathi Identity
A few months ago, Raj Thackeray expressed his desire to work with Uddhav Thackeray for the upliftment of Marathi pride and the Marathi language. This statement was seen by Shiv Sainiks and political analysts as a 'return to the Bal Thackeray era.' Uddhav Thackeray also responded positively to this and said that if it becomes necessary to forget old differences and come together in the interest of Marathi people, he would not object. This sparked enthusiasm among Shiv Sena supporters that the Thackeray family would unite and become a new force in politics.
The meeting between Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray is significant in many ways. On one hand, the proximity between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray is increasing, while on the other hand, Raj Thackeray is maintaining relations with the BJP and Fadnavis. Raj Thackeray has met CM Fadnavis several times, but this meeting is important because it took place just before the civic elections. This has fueled speculation about whether Raj Thackeray will ally with Uddhav Thackeray or move closer to the BJP-Shinde faction.
