Fadnavis Invites Uddhav Thackeray to Join BJP-Led Mahayuti Amid Thackeray Cousins’ Reunion

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday extended an open invitation to Uddhav Thackeray to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the state assembly, signaling a surprising overture to a long-time rival.

The unexpected offer came during a farewell speech for Ambadas Danve, the outgoing Leader of Opposition and a prominent leader from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, NDTV reported.

Directly addressing Thackeray in the assembly, Fadnavis said, “Look Uddhav ji, there is no scope of (our) going there (to the Opposition) till 2029… But if you want to come over here, then consider it… it depends on you… it can be considered.”

His remarks, delivered with a smile and met with laughter in the House, also included a quip about Danve’s ideological leanings: “Ambadas Danve may be anywhere (in the party or opposition), but his real thoughts are right wing.”

Backdrop: Thackeray Cousins Reunite

Fadnavis’ invitation comes just days after Uddhav Thackeray reunited with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray to assert ‘Maratha pride’ during a public rally in Mumbai. The show of unity followed the state government’s decision to withdraw a proposal to make Hindi a third language in Marathi-medium schools—an issue that sparked strong reactions across Maharashtra.

Though the two cousins haven’t yet announced a formal alliance ahead of the crucial Mumbai civic polls, Uddhav hinted at long-term cooperation. “We have come together to stay together. We will capture power in Mumbai and Maharashtra,” he declared during the July 5 rally.

Raj Thackeray, who split from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had long been estranged from Uddhav. Their reunion is being viewed as a potential game-changer in state politics.

While Fadnavis’ offer may be more symbolic than strategic at this stage, it reflects shifting equations and the evolving dynamics of Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of key elections.