Raj Thackeray’s fifth meeting with Uddhav sparks buzz on possible MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance
Mumbai: In a move that has stirred speculation in Maharashtra’s political corridors, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday paid a visit to Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, marking the fifth meeting between the two leaders in just three months.
The visit came shortly after Raj Thackeray attended the naming ceremony of MP Sanjay Raut’s granddaughter at Bandra’s MCM Club, where he was seen in a cordial interaction with Uddhav, Rashmi, and Aaditya Thackeray. A video clip from the event has since gone viral, adding fuel to the ongoing political chatter.
However, it was Raj’s unannounced stop at Matoshree, instead of returning home, that has particularly drawn attention. Although the nature of their closed-door discussions remains undisclosed, the frequency of meetings is raising eyebrows within political circles.
The ongoing series of engagements began on July 5 at the Marathi Language Conference. Raj Thackeray later visited Matoshree on July 27 to wish Uddhav on his birthday. In a significant gesture, Uddhav attended Ganeshotsav celebrations at Raj’s Shivtirth residence on August 27, the first such visit in nearly two decades.
The cousins met again on September 10 during Ganesh Chaturthi and later that month for informal talks.
Political analysts suggest these consistent meetings point towards a potential strategic understanding, especially in light of upcoming municipal and local body elections. With the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance dominating the state, an MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) tie-up could reshape the opposition front in Mumbai and other urban strongholds.
While neither party has confirmed any formal alliance, the developments hint at a thaw in relations between the once-estranged Thackeray cousins, and possibly a united front to counter the ruling coalition
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
