Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Eknath Shinde recently met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his residence in Dadar. The visit, described officially as a courtesy call, ended with Shinde extending a dinner invitation to the MNS leader, fueling fresh speculation about a potential political alignment ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Although such meetings between prominent leaders often ignite political speculation, Shinde clarified that not every meeting should be viewed through a political lens. He said the visit was meant to honor shared historical and ideological roots tracing back to the era of Bal Thackeray.
A Shiv Sena functionary noted that Raj had previously invited Shinde for dinner, and the latest gesture could be a reciprocation. Meanwhile, political observers see this exchange as a potential overture from Shinde’s camp to bring MNS into the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) ahead of high-stakes civic elections in key cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
Shiv Sena state minister Uday Samant affirmed that MNS would be welcomed into the Mahayuti coalition if Raj Thackeray decided to come on board, further fueling talks of strategic political realignment.
However, Raj Thackeray remains non-committal, especially amid subtle overtures from his estranged cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav recently hinted at a possible reunion with Raj, claiming that the people of Maharashtra wish to see them together. Despite such remarks, underlying tensions from past rifts remain a roadblock.
With the long-delayed BMC elections expected later this year, any emerging alliance involving Raj Thackeray—whether with Shinde or Uddhav—could significantly alter Mumbai’s political landscape.
