In a rare and emotional moment that has stirred political speculation, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Matoshree, the residence of his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, on Uddhav’s 65th birthday.

This was Raj’s first significant visit to Matoshree in years, making the occasion both personally warm and politically significant.

Warm Welcome at Matoshree

Raj’s early morning departure from his residence caught even his close aides by surprise. Accompanied by MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, he was welcomed by cheering Shiv Sena workers stationed outside Matoshree.

In a rare move, MP Sanjay Raut personally received Raj, while Uddhav Thackeray himself walked to the gate to greet his estranged cousin. The two leaders embraced warmly amid chants and cheers, signaling a possible thaw in their strained ties.

Symbolic Yet Brief Meeting

Raj presented Uddhav with a bouquet of red roses before both leaders greeted party workers from a small stage outside the house. The much-anticipated meeting inside Matoshree, however, lasted only 20 minutes, after which Raj quietly returned home without addressing the media.

Political Implications

The visit comes shortly after both leaders appeared together at the Marathi Pride Rally in Worli, fueling speculation about a potential political rapprochement ahead of the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra.

Though brief, the meeting was symbolic, raising hopes of renewed cooperation between the two cousins after years of political estrangement.