Talk About Work’: Eknath Shinde Sidesteps Thackeray Reunion Talk Amid Rising Political Heat

As speculation builds over a possible political rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray ahead of the crucial BMC elections, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is clearly not amused. Visibly irked, Shinde curtly dodged a reporter’s question on the subject, sparking fresh chatter and drawing sharp political reactions.

A Cold Shoulder in Satara

During a visit to Dare village in Satara district, Shinde was approached by a journalist seeking his reaction to the growing buzz around the Thackeray cousins possibly burying the hatchet. But instead of engaging, Shinde—normally known for his composed public demeanor—cut the query short in Marathi with a brusque, "Kaamacha bola (Talk about work)."

The moment was captured on video and quickly made rounds on social media platforms, adding more fuel to the political grapevine.

Sanjay Raut Fires Back: “Fake Happiness in BJP”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut didn’t miss the opportunity to pounce. “Shinde will obviously be angry,” Raut told reporters. “Fadnavis won’t show it on his face, but inside, there’s a churn in his stomach. We know how fake the BJP’s happiness is—they don’t want this alliance to happen.”

This jab was in response to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis' earlier diplomatic comment that the BJP would “welcome” a Uddhav-Raj alliance, but added that one should not read too deeply into recent statements.
 

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Reconciliation or Realignment?

The chatter about a political reunion between the estranged Thackeray cousins was reignited after MNS chief Raj Thackeray appeared in a podcast hosted by filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. Raj, often perceived as the more ideologically rigid of the two, surprisingly softened his tone. “I have no issues working with Uddhav,” he said candidly. “The question is whether Uddhav wants to work with me.”

That wasn’t just a one-sided overture. A few days later, Uddhav responded during a speech to his trade union workers. He struck a note of cautious optimism: “I am open to reconciliation—for the sake of Marathi and Maharashtra,” while warning Raj against aligning with forces “anti-Maharashtra.” Many political watchers took this as a subtle jab at the BJP’s increasing influence in state affairs.

Language Row Adds Context to the Timing

The timing of these reconciliatory tones isn't coincidental. Just weeks ago, the Maharashtra government introduced a controversial policy making Hindi mandatory as a third language from Classes 1 to 5. This decision drew strong backlash from regional parties—including Sena (UBT), MNS, and Congress—all of whom see it as a dilution of Marathi identity.

Political analysts believe that the language row may have acted as a unifying factor for the Thackerays, both of whom have built their legacies around Marathi pride and regional politics.

A Look Back: From Brothers-in-Arms to Bitter Rivals

The rift between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray traces back to the early 2000s. Once considered inseparable powerhouses within the Shiv Sena, personal ambitions and leadership disputes led to Raj breaking away to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006. His hardline stance, especially against North Indian migrants, initially gave the MNS a unique identity and electoral boost.

But the momentum didn’t last. The MNS won 13 seats in its debut 2009 Assembly election, but failed to retain its relevance in the years that followed. In contrast, Uddhav’s Shiv Sena, now rebranded as Shiv Sena (UBT) after a split with Eknath Shinde's faction, continued to be a key political player—though recent polls haven’t gone in their favor either. In the 2024 Assembly elections, Sena (UBT) bagged just 20 out of 95 contested seats, while MNS drew a blank.

What’s Next for Maharashtra Politics?

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections looming—seen as a litmus test for all major parties in the state—the potential reunion between the Thackeray cousins could be a game-changer. Mumbai, after all, remains the bastion of Marathi politics, and any consolidation of the Thackeray vote bank could significantly tilt the balance.

But not everyone is convinced. Political observers warn that personal egos, ideological baggage, and past betrayals could still derail any real alliance. And with the BJP keeping a wary eye on developments, the coming weeks promise more drama, more soundbites, and possibly—some actual movement on the political chessboard.

For now, Eknath Shinde might want to “talk about work”—but the state is definitely talking about the Thackerays.