As Maharashtra gears up for its state elections, speculation about a potential political truce between the Thackeray cousins—Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray—is drawing attention. Talks suggest that the cousins’ respective parties, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT), might avoid direct confrontations in key constituencies, Mahim and Worli, where their sons, Amit Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, could potentially run for office.
There is growing discussion within MNS ranks urging Raj Thackeray to field his son Amit in Mahim. Some within Shiv Sena (UBT) have suggested that if Amit Thackeray is indeed in the race, they should refrain from contesting in Mahim, reciprocating the MNS’s previous gesture of not fielding a candidate against Aaditya in Worli during his debut in the 2019 elections. Aaditya, now a sitting MLA, secured a decisive victory in Worli, where the MNS opted not to oppose him last time.
Such an arrangement could set a notable example in Maharashtra’s increasingly divided political landscape, where many political families are preparing to face off against each other in the upcoming polls. The possible mutual understanding between the Thackeray cousins’ parties could offer a rare instance of cooperation amid widespread political rivalries.
However, it remains unclear whether Raj Thackeray will allow his son Amit to contest, as he has so far followed the footsteps of his uncle, Balasaheb Thackeray, who led the Shiv Sena without ever running for office himself. While the MNS plans to contest independently in November without any alliances, Raj Thackeray has been urging voters to support his party to boost its presence in the legislative assembly.
The potential entry of Amit Thackeray into the fray could reshape the political dynamics in Mahim, a seat where the MNS had strong showings in previous elections but has faced stiff competition from the Shiv Sena, now split between Uddhav’s and Shinde’s factions. Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray’s prominence in Worli could ensure the continuation of the Thackeray legacy, should the MNS choose not to oppose him again.
Observers note that such a political compromise between the Thackeray cousins could stand out amidst the electoral battles where family members are often seen clashing for power across the state. However, whether this truce materializes remains to be seen as both parties gear up for the November elections.
