Long list of guesswork as extranged cousins meet – Jaidev issue, BMC polls, birthday wish, family affair...
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday paid a surprise visit to his estranged cousin and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence Matoshree in Bandra East.
Though Sena sources claimed it was a "family affair" and an outreach by Raj to wish his elder cousin a belated birthday, it assumes significance in the run-up to the BMC polls due in early 2017. Incidentally, Uddhav is locked in an acrimonious legal battle with elder brother Jaidev over the will made by their father late Bal Thackeray, and there are chances that a possible rapprochement may have been discussed.
The MNS supremo was accompanied by former MLA Bala Nandgaonkar. He left without speaking to the waiting media contingent. Uddhav had celebrated his birthday on Wednesday.
"On Thursday, Raj asked if he could come down and wish Uddhavji on his birthday. He was unable to come on Wednesday due to the crowds. They were closeted together for an hour in a one-on-one meeting. This was a family affair, but since they are also leaders of two political formations, some discussion on politics would have obviously taken place," said a senior Sena leader.
An MNS leader claimed Raj may have advised Uddhav to strike a rapprochement with Jaidev to prevent more allegations being traded in public as it could affect the Thackeray family's image.
"As a family member, Raj may have advised Uddhav to try and contain this family soap opera," he said, adding that otherwise, such developments could even hurt the Sena. Jaidev is Thackeray Sr's second son, who had moved out of Matoshree in 1999 due to discord within the family.
Though Uddhav and Jaidev are not known to be on talking terms, Raj is said to be on cordial terms with him (Jaidev). Sena sources were affirmative, albeit in a guarded manner, when asked whether the meeting was related to these developments.
A Sena MP claimed that the meeting could also be an attempt by the party to turn up pressure on the BJP, which is eager to corner the Sena and seek a larger share of seats in case of a tie-up for the BMC polls.
"Sometimes, family rivalry is bitter than normal political rivalries. They may have broken the ice occasionally, but there is little chance that the two estranged Thackeray cousins may join hands politically," opined a BJP minister.
2008: Raj had visited Matoshree to meet his late uncle and return some books, including those of the legendary cartoonist David Low.
2012: Raj skipped a party convention at Alibaug in July to accompany Uddhav for a medical check-up at Lilavati Hospital before his angioplasty, and when Thackeray Sr fell ill and later passed away, Raj made regular visits to Matoshree. The two estranged cousins were seen at his funeral at the Shivaji Park grounds in November.
2014: Uddhav called on Raj to inquire about the health of his daughter Urvashi after she met with a minor mishap. The two also met at Shivaji Park on Bal Thackeray's death anniversary in November.
2015: Raj visited an exhibition of photographs clicked by Uddhav. The two also shared the dais at NCP chief and former Union minister Sharad Pawar's 75th birthday celebrations.
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