In a significant political overture, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday signalled a possible reconciliation with his former political ally and current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Addressing the 57th annual general meeting of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, Thackeray said he was open to working together again in the larger interest of the state.
"...I am ready to come together (with CM Devendra Fadnavis). 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," Thackeray said, marking a rare moment of political softness amid the otherwise sharp divide between the two leaders since their fallout in 2019.
Thackeray’s remarks have triggered speculation about a potential thaw in the relations between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP. The two parties, once long-time allies in the NDA, parted ways following the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections when Thackeray took the reins as CM with the support of the NCP and Congress, forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief’s comments come at a time when political alignments in Maharashtra remain in flux, with the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections on the horizon. The Bharatiya Kamgar Sena meet also saw discussions around labour rights and industrial development—core issues where both parties have traditionally found common ground.
