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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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
