Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 8: The growing warmth between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray has unsettled the Congress, triggering speculation about the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Maharashtra’s main opposition alliance.

The latest flashpoint emerged on Thursday when Uddhav Thackeray asserted that decisions regarding an alliance with Raj were a family matter and no third-party intervention was necessary. This stance has put the Congress in a fix, as it is a key partner in the MVA alongside Uddhav’s faction. Any formal tie-up between the Thackeray cousins could push Uddhav out of the alliance.

Congress's unease stems from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) recent aggressive stance against non-Marathi communities. Several violent incidents targeting non-Marathi speakers have raised concerns within the Congress camp about alienating its core voter base if it is seen endorsing such ideologies through association.

Political observers are weighing three possible scenarios. First, Uddhav may walk out of the MVA to join hands with Raj. This would pose a major existential crisis for the MVA, especially after the weakening of Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) following last year’s split. The Congress is already grappling with the possibility of a Pawar family reunion between Sharad and Ajit Pawar, which could further destabilize the alliance.

Second, a formal alliance between Uddhav and Raj may not materialize at all. Although the two Thackerays shared a public stage in Worli on July 5 for the first time in two decades, Raj later clarified to his party workers that their joint appearance was only to oppose the imposition of Hindi and should not be interpreted as a political partnership.

The third possibility points to a temporary unity that may fall apart during seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the elections. Some insiders believe the growing proximity is part of a larger strategy orchestrated by the BJP to divide opposition votes.

Meanwhile, as uncertainty looms over the opposition camp, the ruling Mahayuti coalition has decided to present a united front by contesting upcoming municipal elections together. The local body polls are expected within the next three months, making the coming weeks crucial for Maharashtra’s political landscape.