Special Correspondent | Mumbai
One of Maharashtra’s most discussed political questions has once again taken center stage—will Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray come together? In a recent interview with veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray made a significant statement that has reignited this decades-old speculation.
“Coming together is not difficult. It’s simply a matter of will,” Raj Thackeray said, suggesting that the emotional and political distance between the cousins may not be as insurmountable as many believe.
Speaking candidly during the interview, Raj remarked, “Any disputes or differences between us are minor when compared to the bigger picture. Maharashtra is vast, and for the survival and progress of the Marathi people, these personal conflicts are trivial. I don’t see any difficulty in joining hands again. The only question is—do we both truly wish to do it?”
This is the first time Raj Thackeray has directly addressed the possibility of reconciliation with Uddhav Thackeray in such clear terms. When Manjrekar asked whether the Thackeray cousins could reunite politically, Raj responded:
“This is not just about me. It’s about collective will. If all Marathi leaders from various political parties can come together for the cause of Maharashtra and its people, then forming a united front would be ideal.”
Raj also drew a sharp distinction between his exit from the Shiv Sena in 2005 and the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde. “When I left Shiv Sena, it was because I couldn’t work under anyone apart from Balasaheb. Many MLAs had approached me back then as well. But I took a different path based on principle, not power. Unlike Shinde, I did not engineer a coup from within.”
He further clarified, “When I was in Shiv Sena, I had no problem working with Uddhav. But the real question is—did he want me to work with him?”
When asked if he holds any grudges, Raj Thackeray firmly stated, “I don’t let my ego interfere in such matters. If the people of Maharashtra truly want us to come together, then maybe they should be the ones to convey that wish.”
As of now, there has been no official response from Uddhav Thackeray or the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp regarding Raj’s remarks. However, the statement has sparked widespread discussion across political and media circles.
This development comes at a time when the political landscape in Maharashtra is undergoing rapid changes ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections. The idea of a Thackeray reunion—once thought impossible—now seems more plausible than ever, depending on mutual intent and public sentiment.
