Picture Credit : @mnsadhikrut/X
The growing bonhomie between the once estranged Thackeray cousins was on full public display on Friday as the two leaders and their family members came together for a Diwali event, further “lighting” up the buzz around their political alliance in Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray and his family took part in ‘Deepotsav’, an annual event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, headed by his cousin Raj, at central Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and the former CM even inaugurated the programme, cementing their reconciliation.
दरवर्षी प्रमाणे महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेतर्फे मुंबईतील दादर येथील छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज मैदानावर, ‘दीपोत्सव’ सोहळा साजरा होतो. आज दीपोत्सवाचे उदघाट्न माझे बंधू आणि शिवसेना पक्ष प्रमुख श्री. उद्धव ठाकरे आणि कुटुंबीय यांनी केलं… त्या सोहळ्याची क्षणचित्रं…#दीपोत्सव२०२५ pic.twitter.com/sm5LNjoRxI
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) October 17, 2025
The ‘Deepotsav’ event was symbolic and important optic-wise as both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray arrived in the same car in full media glare. In another car arrived Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav, with Amit, son of Raj, seated next to him. Uddhav Thackeray’s younger son Tejas and Raj’s younger daughter Urvashi were in the rear seat of the car, which was being driven by Aaditya.
Uddhav Thackeray’s wife Rashmi and Raj’s spouse Sharmila arrived in another car to take part in the event.
Kunda, mother of Raj, was seen getting emotional at the family reunion. She is paternal as well as maternal aunt to Uddhav Thackeray.
Though there was no overt political angle to what was a festive event, the covert message was clear — the Thackeray family stands together ahead of the local body polls, which are crucial both for MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), and political future of their leaders.
“Today’s Diwali is special. The unity of Marathi manoos and its light will bring happiness in everyone’s lives,” Uddhav said at the event.
Ahead of the programme, Aaditya said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park is once again ready to shine brightly in dazzling light! Every year, the ‘Deepotsav’ organized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena captivates everyone.
