Mon Feb 24 09:56:42 UTC 2025: ## Thackeray Cousins Reunite at Mumbai Wedding, Fueling Speculation of Political Reconciliation
**Mumbai, India –** A surprise meeting between estranged cousins and political rivals, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, has sparked intense speculation about a potential political alliance ahead of crucial civic elections in Maharashtra.
The two were spotted together Sunday evening at the wedding of a government official’s son in Andheri, Mumbai. This marks their third public meeting in the last two months, further fueling rumors of a thawing relationship between the MNS and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray’s wife, Rashmi Thackeray, was also present.
The meeting comes amidst growing internal tensions within both the ruling Mahayuti coalition and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), raising the possibility that both the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) are seeking to consolidate their positions before the upcoming elections, including the highly significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The election schedule is yet to be announced.
Raj Thackeray left the Shiv Sena in 2005 to establish the MNS. In the last state assembly elections, the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats, while the MNS failed to win any. Political analysts suggest that a potential reconciliation between the cousins could significantly impact the upcoming civic elections.
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