Raj Thackeray's Matoshree visit reshapes Maharashtra political dynamics

As stalwarts of Maratha politics, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are mending ties, the former's birthday celebrations marked the return of Raj to 'Matoshree', after over a decade.

 

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the place where he learned the basics of politics from veteran Bal Thackeray. Raj took part in the birthday celebrations of Uddhav infront of Matoshree and presented him with a bouquet. 

 

The coming together of Thackerays has energised Sena workers. Both the leaders took a break from the celebrations and moved inside the house for a quick discussion. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Avinash Abhyankar, Nitin Sardesai were present.

 

The return of Raj Thackeray to the Shiv Sena fold, who parted ways with Shiv Sena after Uddhav was made heir of the party, has shocked the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and allies. Perhaps, this is the first time Raj Thackeray is visiting Matoshree after the death of Bal Thackeray.

 

Known for their Maratha politics, the BJP-led Mahayuti government's move to make Hindi mandatory in schools brought the estranged cousins together. The two leaders shared the stage together after years, during the victory rally organised earlier this month in Mumbai to celebrate Maharashtra government's reversal of order making Hindi mandatory in schools.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Raj had said, "The credit for bringing us together goes to Devendra Fadnavis. What none of our well-wishers could achieve for so many years, was done by Fadnavis (through his government GRs on Hindi)."

 

 

 

India