Raj plays hide and seek with Uddhav, meets CM

Mumbai: Amid widespread speculation over rapprochement between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his politically estranged cousin Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, the later had a hush-hush meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday leading to another wave of speculations that the MNS might actually be joining the Mahayuti.

The meeting, which was neither pre-announced nor part of either leader’s official schedule, took place at the Taj Lands End in Bandra and lasted over an hour. The leaders are believed to have explored the possibility of including the MNS in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti coalition and a seat adjustment. Neither Fadnavis nor Thackeray commented on the meeting.

For almost past two months, the Thackeray brother had been exchanging emotional appeals, symbolic gestures, and strategic signalling leading to speculation of rapprochement between the estranged Thackeray brothers. However, after the banners were put up, two days back, greeting Aaditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on their birthdays (13 and 14 June respectively) together, Raj, on Wednesday suddenly announced that he won’t be celebrating his birthday this year. His meeting with CM Fadnavis on that backdrop of his sudden U-turn has shocked many of his supporters and many of the Shiv Sena (UBT) sympathisers who had been hoping for reunion of the two Thackerays.

Possible scenario that may emerge now are as follows –

1. MNS joins Mahayuti – Will weaken the Marathi Manoos appeal of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and pave way for Mahayuti sweeping the local bodies repeating its performance in assembly last year.

2. MNS joins Shiv Sena (UBT) – Might help the Shiv Sena (UBT) build its appeal and put-up face against the mighty Mahayuti alliance.

3. MNS decides to go solo like in 2004 assembly elections – Will help the Mahayuti as the MNS has almost the same electoral base as that of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

4. MNS doesn’t join the Mahayuti but enters in strategic alliance at some places – Likely to be most detrimental scenario for the Shiv Sena (UBT).