In a dramatic political commentary, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has drawn a parallel between the recent reunion of estranged Thackeray cousins and an unexpected global alliance. He stated that the coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray resembles a scenario where Russia and Ukraine have united.
A Startling Political Comparison
Speaking on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader offered his analysis of the significant development within Maharashtra's political landscape. Fadnavis emphasized that this reunion is not merely a familial reconciliation but a strategic move born out of necessity. He framed it as a "fight for existence" for the Thackeray brothers, suggesting that political survival is the core motive behind this newfound unity.
The Context of the Thackeray Rapprochement
The political dynamics in Maharashtra witnessed a seismic shift with the reconciliation between Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Their relationship, marked by years of rivalry and public discord, has been a defining feature of the state's politics. Fadnavis's analogy to Russia and Ukraine—nations locked in a prolonged and intense conflict—highlights the perceived depth of their past estrangement and the surprising nature of their current alliance.
The Deputy CM's remarks underscore the potential impact this unity could have on the existing power equations. By framing it as a battle for survival, he points to the challenges both leaders might be facing individually in the current political climate, prompting them to join forces.
Implications for Maharashtra's Political Arena
This development is poised to reshape contestations in India's second-largest state. The combined influence of the Thackeray cousins, commanding significant loyalist bases, presents a new consolidated front. Political observers are now assessing how this "fight for existence" will translate into electoral strategy and public mobilization against their common opponents.
Fadnavis, a key architect of BJP's strategy in Maharashtra, has effectively set the narrative by using a powerful international metaphor. His statement, made on December 24, immediately became a focal point for analysis, framing the reunion not as a simple family affair but as a consequential political merger with survival at its core. The coming months will reveal the tangible effects of this alliance on the ground.
