Eknath Shinde Annoyed Over Raj-Uddhav Reunion Buzz: “Talk About Work”

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde wasn’t too pleased when asked about the growing speculation surrounding a possible patch-up between estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.

What Happened?

While visiting his hometown Dare in Satara on Saturday, Shinde was approached by a journalist from TV Marathi who questioned him about the potential political reconciliation between Uddhav (Shiv Sena – UBT) and Raj (MNS). Known for his calm public demeanor, Shinde appeared visibly irritated, brushing off the reporter’s microphone and tersely replying, “Talk about work.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) Reacts

Responding to the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that Shinde’s irritation wasn’t surprising. He also took a dig at Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “Fadnavis won’t show it, but inside, there’s turmoil. We know how fake the BJP’s happiness is. They don’t want this alliance to happen.”

Fadnavis Stays Diplomatic

When earlier asked about the Thackeray cousins possibly reuniting, Fadnavis had given a diplomatic response: “If they come together, we are happy. Estranged people coming together is a good thing… but the media might be reading too much into it.”

He downplayed any threat to the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming BMC elections, stating confidently, “We’ll win comfortably.”

Why the Buzz Now?

The talk of a possible reunion between Raj and Uddhav gained traction after a recently released podcast featuring Raj Thackeray and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. In the chat, Raj said he had no objection to working with Uddhav in the original Shiv Sena — but asked, “Does Uddhav want to work with me?”

Both leaders hinted that they were ready to move past “trivial issues.”

Raj emphasized unity for the Marathi manoos (Marathi people), while Uddhav, although cautious, said he was open to reconciliation — as long as “those who harm Maharashtra’s interests” were not part of the picture. His comment was widely seen as a dig at Raj for recently welcoming Eknath Shinde into his home.

Flashback: What Went Wrong?

• Raj left Shiv Sena in 2006 after blaming Uddhav for sidelining him.
• He then launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which made waves in 2009 but gradually faded.
• In 2024, the MNS failed to win a single seat in the Assembly polls.
• Meanwhile, Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT), aligned with the opposition MVA, secured just 20 out of 95 seats.

Uddhav’s fall from power in 2022, triggered by Shinde’s rebellion and alliance with the BJP, remains a sore point in Maharashtra politics.

Key Highlights:

• Eknath Shinde snapped at questions on Raj-Uddhav alliance talk.
• Sanjay Raut: “Shinde’s anger expected, BJP fears this reunion.”
• Devendra Fadnavis: “If they reunite, it’s good, but we’ll win anyway.”
• Podcast Sparks Reunion Buzz: Raj Thackeray says he’s open to working with Uddhav.
• Uddhav Responds: Ready to reconcile — but not with “thieves.”
• History: Raj left Shiv Sena in 2006; both cousins haven’t collaborated since.