2 min readJul 27, 2025 03:44 PM IST
First published on: Jul 27, 2025 at 03:37 PM IST
Amid the buzz of alliance between Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT, Raj on Sunday visited Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav, to wish his cousin on his birthday.
This is Raj’s second visit to the Thackeray residence in nearly two decades, since parting ways with the Shiv Sena and forming the MNS.
The two cousins spent around 20 minutes together in what was described as a warm and emotional interaction. Raj presented a large bouquet of roses to Uddhav.
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Speaking briefly to the media after the meeting, Uddhav appeared visibly emotional. “I am overwhelmed… I am not able to speak,” he said, declining to elaborate.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders welcomed the meeting as senior leader Bhaskar Jadhav called it “a foundation for the reunion of two brothers and Maharashtra’s glorious future.”
Earlier, Raj had visited Matoshree to invite Uddhav for a wedding function.
Raj arrived at Matoshree around noon, accompanied by senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar. Ahead of the visit, Nandgaonkar had informed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut about Raj’s plan to call on Uddhav.
The visit comes at a politically significant moment, amid growing speculation about a potential alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. The buzz intensified after the two parties jointly organised a pro-Marathi rally on July 5 — seen as a thaw in relations and a symbolic step towards political reconciliation.
During the July 5 event both had given indication of future alliance,with Uddhav saying, “we have come together today, to stay together forever.”
On the occasion of Uddhav Thackeray’s birthday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the Thackeray residence. He greeted Uddhav Thackeray with a large bouquet of roses and extended his best wishes. (Express Photo) 
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