Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunion cards? What BJP, Congress, NCP said

The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed an interesting development as estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray indicated a possible reconciliation after two decades.

"I am ready to come together (with Raj Thackeray). I am ready to come forward in the interest of Maharashtra, keeping aside minor incidents. I have put an end to all fights. The interest of Maharashtra is my priority," former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI during his address at the 57th annual general meeting of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena .

Raj Thackeray echoed a similar sentiment, saying that "coming together is not difficult" and that differences between cousins are "proving costly for the existence of Maharashtra and Marathi people".

"The disputes and fights between Uddhav and me are minor -- Maharashtra is much bigger than all that. These differences are proving costly for the existence of Maharashtra and the Marathi people," Raj Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.

"Coming together is not difficult, it’s a matter of will. It’s not just about my desire or selfishness. We need to look at the bigger picture. All Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single party," he added.

The potential reunion has sparked varied reactions across the political parties.

'Good thing'

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the possibility of a political reunion between estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, calling it a “good” development.

“If the two come together, we will be happy about it. If people settle their differences, it’s a good thing. What else can I say about it? I also appeal to all Marathi people to come together for the benefit of Maharashtra and Marathi,” Fadnavis said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said it was entirely up to Raj Thackeray whether or not to align with Uddhav Thackeray. “It is Raj Thackeray's prerogative whether to join hands with Uddhav Thackeray or not. He can decide his party's future. The BJP has no objection to it,” Bawankule said.

'Two zeros always make a zero'

However, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske expressed skepticism over the possibility of reconciliation, pointing to past tensions between the two.

“Uddhav Thackeray had threatened to leave the house if Raj Thackeray was given any responsibility. He even opposed Raj’s visits to party branches in Mumbai and differentiated between his supporters. Uddhav should answer why he opposed Raj Thackeray,” Mhaske said.

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam took a jibe at the potential alliance, dismissing it as electorally irrelevant. “Two zeros always make a zero,” he said.

“Uddhav aligned with Congress and relied on Muslim votes. Now, realising that this strategy hasn’t worked, he is leaning toward Raj Thackeray. This is not about Maharashtra’s interest—it’s about personal survival. Even together, they cannot pose a challenge to Mahayuti,” Nirupam added.

'If Balasaheb Thackeray were alive ...'

Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule said the move should be welcomed if it is in the interest of the state.

“Raj Thackeray said that the state’s issues are bigger than their personal dispute. That is happy news to me. If Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have been very happy today,” Sule said.

“If the two brothers are coming together for Maharashtra, we should welcome it wholeheartedly,” she added.