Uddhav, Raj Thackeray hold marathon meet, discuss Sena (UBT)-MNS seat sharing for upcoming BMC polls

MUMBAI: After a series of social and courtesy meetings, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray held a marathon political meeting on Wednesday. Uddhav visited Raj’s residence at Shivtirth in Dadar’s Shivaji Park, accompanied by party MP Sanjay Raut and MLC Anil Parab.

MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Sandeep Deshpande were also present at the 2.5-hour-long parleys.

Party insiders said discussions centred on Sena (UBT)-MNS seat-sharing for the upcoming BMC polls, with more rounds of talks expected.

The meeting came two days after a Congress delegation visited Uddhav’s residence, Matoshree, to discuss the state of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the civic polls and whether the MNS would join the alliance. Sena (UBT) functionaries maintained that Wednesday’s talks have made a Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up for the BMC polls almost certain. Sources added that while the MNS is seeking 90-95 seats, negotiations are likely to rationalise this number. Last month, Uddhav had visited Raj’s home for Ganpati darshan after Raj extended a personal invitation during the festival. Raut too visited Raj’s residence then. This was another public display of bonhomie between the cousins.

“Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited the residence of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Shivtirth, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi to take darshan. On this occasion, Rashmi Thackeray, Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray, as well as Thackeray family members, were present,” the Sena (UBT) later said in a post on X. In July, Raj had visited Matoshree, Uddhav’s Bandra East residence, to wish his “big brother” a happy 65th birthday.

It was his first visit to Matoshree since floating the MNS in 2006. Uddhav greeted him with a warm hug, and Raj handed him a bouquet of red roses. After pleasantries, the two held a private 20-minute conversation. Observers say Raj’s July visit and Wednesday’s marathon talks indicate that after a family reunion, a political one is imminent, likely to be formalised once election dates are announced. For many Sainiks, Matoshree holds emotional sanctity, and Raj’s presence there was seen as both an acceptance of Uddhav’s seniority as Sena (UBT) chief and a step towards cementing the alliance.