Historic Reunion: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Families Unite at Diwali Deepotsav Event Signaling Political Alliance in Maharashtra

The Thackeray cousins' reunion at the 'Deepotsav' event served as a significant political symbol in Mumbai.

Mumbai:

On Friday, the previously estranged Thackeray cousins publicly displayed their growing rapport when the two political leaders and their families gathered for a Diwali celebration, intensifying speculation about their potential political alliance in Maharashtra.

Uddhav Thackeray, who heads Shiv Sena (UBT), along with his family members participated in 'Deepotsav', an annual celebration organized by his cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. The former Chief Minister's role in inaugurating the event firmly established their reconciliation.

The 'Deepotsav' gathering carried strong symbolic importance as both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray arrived together in the same vehicle under media spotlight. In another car, Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav's son, drove with Raj's son Amit beside him, while Uddhav's younger son Tejas and Raj's daughter Urvashi occupied the back seats.

Rashmi Thackeray, Uddhav's wife, and Sharmila, Raj's spouse, arrived separately in another vehicle to join the festivities.

Raj's mother Kunda, who is both paternal and maternal aunt to Uddhav Thackeray, appeared emotional during this family reunion.

While the event maintained its festive character without explicit political messaging, the implicit signal was unmistakable – the Thackeray family stands united ahead of crucial local body elections that will significantly impact both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), as well as their leaders' political futures.

"Today's Diwali is special. The unity of Marathi manoos and its light will bring happiness in everyone's lives," Uddhav remarked at the event.

Before the program, Aaditya shared, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park is once again ready to shine brightly in dazzling light! Every year, the 'Deepotsav' organized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena captivates everyone.

"The special highlight is that the illumination during this Deepotsav enhances the beauty of our Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, making it stand out. The inauguration of this Deepotsav is being held today by the party chief, Shri Uddhavsaheb Thackeray. I am very excited to witness this magnificent spectacle during the days of Diwali!" This marked the seventh meeting – third in October – between the Thackeray cousins since July 5.

Raj departed from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005, attributing his exit to Uddhav, and subsequently established the MNS in 2006. Since then, they had maintained a political rivalry.

However, following their parties' disappointing performance in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections – where Shiv Sena (UBT) secured only 20 seats – both leaders decided to set aside their political differences and find common ground for mutual survival.

Party leaders emphasized that the formal alliance of these two parties before the rural and urban body polls, scheduled prior to January 31, 2026, is now practically assured.

In 2022, then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) had inaugurated the MNS-organized Deepotsav. Previously, Raj had expressed support for the BJP in various elections.

The Shiv Sena experienced a split in June 2022, which led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.