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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CPI leader attends RSS-organised Hindu meet, district unit seeks clarification
Manjeshwar: The participation of a CPI leader in a Hindu convention organised by the RSS has triggered discussion in political circles.
Sundari Shetty, former president of Meenja panchayat and a district committee member of the CPI in Kasaragod, attended the Hindu gathering held in Meenja. She offered floral tribute to a portrait of Bharat Mata and also addressed the gathering from the stage, which has led to controversy.
Following the development, the CPI district unit has issued a notice to Sundari Shetty seeking an explanation. Party sources said that the presence of a senior leader of a party that follows communist ideology at a Hindu convention has caused unease within the party.
There are indications that disciplinary action may be initiated against her in connection with the incident.
