Aaditya’s Surprise Appearance Hints at Shift in Sena-BJP Equations

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray’s presence at BJP leader Mohit Kamboj’s birthday party has sparked fresh political chatter, particularly in light of Kamboj’s earlier attacks on the Sena and Sanjay Raut during the pandemic. The development has fueled speculation about internal rifts within the party, especially over disagreements regarding Rajya Sabha seats.

Last weekend, Aaditya Thackeray was seen for a few hours at the birthday party of Mohit Kamboj’s daughter, a BJP karyakarta. This has raised several questions about whether Shiv Sena (UBT) is taking a step towards rapprochement with its former ally, the BJP.

According to reports, Mohit Kamboj had earlier revealed several videos and documents related to the undivided Shiv Sena when Uddhav Thackeray was heading the state during the pandemic. Kamboj also shares a long-standing rivalry with Sanjay Raut, who was jailed in connection with the Patra Chawl redevelopment case.

Aaditya Thackeray’s move has further raised questions about internal differences within the party. As per sources, during a recent meeting of MPs, disagreements emerged over proposing Sharad Pawar’s name for a Rajya Sabha seat, while Aaditya was reportedly upset over not considering Priyanka Chaturvedi’s name.

Aaditya Thackeray’s presence at Kamboj’s event is also being seen as a subtle signal to Sanjay Raut that the party’s decisions still rest with the Thackeray leadership, and possibly as an early step towards recalibrating ties with the BJP ahead of the 2029 elections.

This development comes amid recent tensions between the Mahayuti alliance partners, Shiv Sena and BJP, where Shiv Sena leaders had protested against the BJP over the Satara local elections.

However, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde raised the issue in the Assembly, calling it “a murder of democracy.”

Sanjay Raut stated that if one is invited to an auspicious occasion, there is nothing wrong with attending it. He said it was a family function where people from various fields were present. “I have read that Aaditya Thackeray was there only for a short while. If someone invites you to such an event, it is not appropriate to politicise it,” Raut said.

Raut also stated that political conflicts never truly end; they continue indefinitely. However, personal relationships and public decorum are separate matters. “Just because a video has gone viral, it is wrong to interpret it as political closeness,” he added.​