Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray today (February 18) met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his ‘Nandanvan’ residence. During this, various topics were discussed between the two leaders. This was the first meeting of these two leaders after the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The meeting between these two leaders has once again given rise to speculations whether there will be any political alliance in Raj Thackeray’s party Shiv Sena. This meeting is also special because Raj Thackeray is now in alliance with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray and the figure is 36 between Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Eknath Shinde.

MNS-Shiv Sena together in Kalyan-Dobinwali

This meeting also took place after being elected mayor of Kalyana-Dombivli. A new political picture emerged in the mayor elections here. In fact, the leaders of Raj Thackeray’s party surprised everyone when the local leaders in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation supported the Shinde faction for the post of mayor. With the support of MNS councilors, Shiv Sena became the mayor here. Uddhav Thackeray’s party got angry after the mayor elections held here. The Uddhav faction had even raised questions on the decision of the local councilors of MNS.

What did Shiv Sena UBT say on the meeting?

Shiv Sena UBT leader Sushma Andhare’s reaction also came to light on this meeting. She said that Raj Thackeray is the president of a party and Shinde is the Deputy CM. In such a situation, there is no objection if Raj Thackeray meets him. He said that we cannot say anything on whether Raj Thackeray should get it or not. He said that there must be some reason behind this meeting. Earlier in April 2025, Eknath Shinde had met Raj Thackeray. Then he went to Thackeray’s house and also had dinner together.

Eknath shinde on raj thackeray: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at the residence of MNS President Raj Thackeray tomorrow (Tuesday, April 15). After the Mahim assembly elections, there was a discussion of rift between Raj Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

There is a discussion that Eknath Shinde is meeting Raj Thackeray to bridge the political partition. This meeting is considered important in the backdrop of Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Although this is not the first time that Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray have met, but this meeting has special significance.

This is because Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena’s Shiv Sena’s Sarvanakar was standing in the field against Amit Thackeray in the assembly. There was a lot of discussion that a political rift has arisen between Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray due to withdrawal of Sarvanakar’s candidature.

Amit Thackeray lost in the assembly and after that Eknath Shinde is meeting Raj Thackeray for the first time. Maharashtra will definitely be eager to see whether political equations emerge from the meeting between Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray?

What did Eknath Shinde say after the meeting?
This meeting of Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray started around 9.30 pm and lasted till 11.15 pm. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Balasaheb’s memories were refreshed after meeting Raj Thackeray. This meeting was completely goodwill. Balasaheb’s memory brought back the old memories.

Eknath Shinde said, “Since the last few days, since the assembly elections, both had a desire to meet and talk. In this conversation many memories of Balasaheb were refreshed. We have worked together. So the old things were discussed. It was a goodwill meeting, so there is no need to take out political implications.”

‘Shiv Sena-will come together with happiness’
Minister of State Uday Samanta said, “We know that if Eknath Shinde Raj Thackeray’s house goes to dinner then it will definitely have a political impact, but if Raj Thackeray comes with us then we will be happy. Raj Thackeray and Eknath Shinde’s relationship is very old.”

When did Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray meet before this?

1. September 2022
On the occasion of Ganeshotsav, Eknath Shinde met for Ganpati Darshan on ‘Shivatirtha’, a residence in Dadar of Raj Thackeray. This meeting was described as a courtesy call.

2. October 2022 – Participation in Deepawali celebrations
Raj Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and the then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis jointly participated in the ‘Deep Utsav’ program organized by MNS. The program stressed speculation of potential political equations.

3. December 2022 – Meeting in Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur
Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Shinde at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. In this meeting, many issues including the functioning of the assembly were discussed, which resumed speculation of a possible alliance.

4. July 2023 – Discussion on agricultural loans and redevelopment projects
Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Shinde on his official residence ‘Varsha’. In this meeting, issues such as farmers loans in Nashik district, redevelopment of Mumbai’s BDD Chawls and the cut in prices of homes were discussed by CIDCO.

5. December 2023 – Discussion on state issues
Raj Thackeray once again met Chief Minister Shinde at ‘Varsha’ residence. In this meeting, various issues and political status of Maharashtra were discussed, which was considered important in the context of the preparation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.