Winds of Change in Maharashtra? Raj Thackeray’s Meeting with Devendra Fadnavis Sparks Speculation of Political Realignment

In a development that could reshape political equations in Maharashtra, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray held a private meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday. The unexpected turn of events has triggered intense speculation about a potential rapprochement between the MNS and the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.

The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, took place at the Taj Lands End hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Notably, it was absent from the official schedules of both leaders, adding to the intrigue and fuelling speculation about the nature and intent of the discussions.

The timing of the meeting is particularly significant. Over the past two months, the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray has made concerted efforts to bring Raj Thackeray back into the fold. Appeals for unity have centred around the emotive theme of the ‘Marathi manoos’ identity, with calls for regional solidarity taking centre stage in public messaging.

Prominent figures within the UBT, including Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya and senior leader Sanjay Raut, have publicly urged the Thackeray cousins to set aside their differences. The campaign has been supported by a coordinated social media push, nostalgic visuals, and editorial backing from the party’s mouthpiece Saamana.

However, Raj Thackeray and his party have remained notably silent in response to these overtures. His decision to instead meet with the BJP’s top leader in the state is being widely interpreted as a potential strategic pivot.

No official statement has been released by either side following the meeting. Nonetheless, the quiet yet deliberate nature of the engagement is being closely watched across Maharashtra’s political spectrum, as parties begin preparing for the next electoral battle.​