Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his Nandanvan residence in Thane on Wednesday, February 18. The two leaders discussed various topics. This was their first meeting since the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026.
This meeting has sparked speculation about a political alliance between MNS and Shinde's Shiv Sena. This closely watch as Raj Thackeray is now in alliance with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, who is a part of MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi).
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This meeting took place after the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) mayoral election. In fact, leaders of Raj Thackeray's party surprised everyone when local leaders in the KDMC supported the Shinde faction for the mayoral post. With the support of MNS councillors, Shiv Sena became the mayor. Following the mayoral election, Uddhav Thackeray's party was enraged. The Uddhav Thackeray faction even questioned the decision of the local MNS councillors.
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sushma Andhare also reacted to this meeting. She said that Raj Thackeray is the party president and Shinde is the Deputy CM. Therefore, there is no objection if Raj Thackeray meets with them. She added that she cannot say whether Raj Thackeray should meet or not. She added that there must be a reason behind this meeting.