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The long-estranged Thackeray cousins Uddhav and Raj shared a rare moment of warmth and unity on Friday as both families came together at a glittering Diwali ‘Deepotsav’ celebration organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Dadar’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. The event, which saw Uddhav Thackeray inaugurate the programme hosted by his cousin Raj Thackeray, symbolised more than just festive spirit it marked a visible reconciliation in the state’s dynamic political landscape.
The event was organised annually by the MNS, but this year’s celebration stood out for its significance. For the first time in years, Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister, was seen sharing the stage and camaraderie with Raj Thackeray. Their presence together, along with their families, fueled speculation about an impending political alliance between their parties ahead of crucial local body elections.
In a rare public display of unity, both Uddhav and Raj arrived at the venue in the same car, drawing massive media attention. In another car followed Aaditya Thackeray, accompanied by Raj’s son Amit, while Uddhav’s younger son Tejas and Raj’s daughter Urvashi sat behind them. Meanwhile, Uddhav’s wife Rashmi and Raj’s wife Sharmila arrived together in a separate car. The emotional highlight of the evening came when Raj’s mother, Kunda Thackeray who is also Uddhav’s paternal and maternal aunt was seen teary-eyed witnessing the family reunion.
The event was attended by prominent leaders and party workers from both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS, including MLA Mahesh Sawant. Raj Thackeray personally took the wheel while arriving at the event, a symbolic gesture that many interpreted as him taking charge of a possible new direction for the Thackeray family.
Although the gathering was framed as a cultural and festive occasion, the underlying political message was unmistakable, the Thackeray family, once divided by political rivalry, now appears to be moving toward unity.
Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray said, “This Diwali is special. The unity of Marathi manoos and its light will bring happiness in everyone’s lives.”
Earlier, Aaditya Thackeray shared his excitement on social media, writing, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park is once again ready to shine brightly! The Deepotsav organized by the MNS every year captivates everyone, and this year’s illumination adds to its beauty. I’m thrilled that Uddhavsaheb is inaugurating it this time.”
This was the seventh meeting between the Thackeray cousins and the third in October alone, since their first reconciliation on July 5.
After facing setbacks in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured just 20 seats, both leaders reportedly began exploring ways to collaborate politically. Party insiders suggest that a formal alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the rural and municipal polls, scheduled before January 31, 2026, now seems inevitable.
However, the 2022 Deepotsav event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both from the Mahayuti government.
Interestingly, Raj Thackeray had supported the BJP in earlier elections, but now that the Thackeray cousins seem to be reuniting, it remains to be seen how beneficial this will be in the upcoming elections.
