For the first time in 13 years, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree to personally wish Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on his birthday. His last visit to Matoshree was in 2012, following the death of Balasaheb Thackeray.
The visit was welcomed by supporters from both parties, with scenes of celebration witnessed among Shiv Sena and MNS workers. Adding fuel to the speculation, Raj Thackeray shared a photograph of the meeting on social media, captioned:
"I visited the residence of my elder brother, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, and wished him on his birthday."
Earlier this year, when the central government proposed making Hindi compulsory under its new education policy, it faced strong opposition in Maharashtra. Both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray stood united in defense of the Marathi language, planning a joint protest march to oppose the decision.
Although the government eventually rolled back the proposal, a victory rally was held at NSCI Dome in Worli on July 5, 2025, marking a significant public appearance of the two leaders together on the same stage further signaling their growing camaraderie.
With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approaching, speculation is rife about a potential alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). Their renewed closeness is being viewed as a strategic move to consolidate Marathi votes and challenge the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP–Shinde faction).
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