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Raj Thackeray meets CM Devendra Fadnavis amid speculation of a potential alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, signaling key political developments in Maharashtra.
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Meets CM Fadnavis, Fuels Speculation of Political Realignment
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray held a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday at a five-star hotel in Mumbai, triggering speculation about a possible shift in political alliances. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, took place at Taj Lands End in Bandra and was not listed on either leader’s official schedule.
The unexpected interaction has raised questions about whether Raj Thackeray is considering aligning with the BJP-led Mahayuti government, potentially moving away from a long-discussed alliance with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).
This meeting follows nearly two months of sustained outreach by the Shiv Sena (UBT), which has been calling for unity under the shared cause of ‘Marathi manoos’ (Marathi identity). Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya, and senior party figures such as Sanjay Raut have publicly appealed for reconciliation, citing the importance of regional pride and cultural identity in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and workers actively engaged in public messaging through old photographs, social media updates, and even the front page of Saamana, the MNS, in contrast, has remained silent.
he top leadership of the MNS has maintained that no official proposal has been received. On June 5, Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit, firmly stated that “alliances are not formed through media sound bites,” signaling the party’s lack of interest in informal overtures.
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The recent meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday further reinforces that stance. Coming just days before the birthdays of both Raj Thackeray (June 14) and Aaditya Thackeray (June 13)—occasions Shiv Sena (UBT) workers had hoped to use as a symbolic push for unity—this unannounced interaction suggests Raj may be charting a different political course.
Political observers in the state believe the meeting is more than just a courtesy call, especially with the upcoming civic polls and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) being a major political prize. An alliance between the MNS and BJP could gather more momentum than a potential tie-up between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former BMC mayor Kishori Pednekar urged caution, saying it was too soon to draw conclusions. “Let’s wait and watch. Both brothers have downplayed their differences, and there’s a sense of camaraderie among MNS and Sena UBT workers. So we’ll see how things unfold—it would be premature to speculate right now,” she said.
On Thursday, the Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, extended an invitation to Raj Thackeray to form an alliance. Minister and Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat stated, “We had offered an alliance earlier during the Assembly elections as well. Even now, our offer stands—we are still open to joining hands with Raj Saheb.
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