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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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
