Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray crossed paths at a wedding in Mumbai, setting off speculation about a possible reconciliation ahead of the upcoming civic elections in the state.

The two leaders, known for their political rivalry, attended the wedding of Mahendra Kalyankar’s son in Andheri on Sunday evening. Their meeting comes amid internal tensions within both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), adding further intrigue to Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Observers believe the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) might be considering mending ties, especially with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on the horizon. Though the poll dates are yet to be announced, the high-stakes contest is expected to shape the political future of both parties.

This marks the third time in two months that Raj and Uddhav have been seen together publicly, fueling talks of a possible shift in political equations.

Raj Thackeray had parted ways with the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 to establish the MNS. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats in the last Maharashtra Assembly elections, the MNS failed to make an electoral impact.

As Maharashtra gears up for key civic polls, the unexpected interactions between the Thackeray cousins have sparked curiosity about whether a new political equation is in the making.