Sena UBT ‘unlikely’ to invite Raj Thackeray for its Dussehra rally

The speculation was triggered after Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir recently remarked that a reunion between the two Thackeray cousins was not just a political necessity but also a “need of the state.”

“This is what people want. With Ganeshotsav over and Pitru Paksha beginning, we can expect good news by Dussehra,” Ahir had said, adding that the rally would provide direction to party cadres ahead of the civic elections.

Ahir further hinted at the possibility of Raj being invited, saying, “Raj and Uddhav Thackeray constantly watch each other’s political moves. Whether they come together on the Dussehra stage is uncertain, but it cannot be ruled out.”

However, Raut dismissed the possibility.

“The Dussehra rally belongs to Shiv Sena. For more than six decades, it has been only Sena’s. Raj Thackeray usually holds his own Gudi Padwa rally. Our ideology is the same — working for Marathi people — but both parties function separately. There is good communication between the two cousins, but this is unlikely,” Raut said.

The debate comes against the backdrop of renewed camaraderie between the Thackeray cousins in recent months. On July 27, Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree to wish Uddhav on his birthday — his first visit in several years. Uddhav, in turn, visited Raj’s residence during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The two have also met privately on multiple occasions, leading to speculation of a possible alliance for the upcoming BMC elections.