A fresh wave of political speculation has emerged in Maharashtra after reports surfaced that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) MLA Aaditya Thackeray were seen at the same hotel in Mumbai on Saturday night. According to sources, both leaders were present at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai, leading to intense curiosity over possible new political alignments.
Just two days earlier, a private meeting between CM Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had raised eyebrows. Now, reports of Aaditya and Fadnavis being at the same venue have further fueled speculation about a potential shift in the state's political equations.
Sources clarified that both leaders were attending separate events at the hotel and that there was no formal meeting between them. However, with increasing instances of interaction between the Thackeray family and Fadnavis in recent weeks, political circles are abuzz with theories about future alliances.
Speaking to the media, Aaditya Thackeray said he had gone to the hotel for a dinner with friends. “During dinner, I was watching the news about a meeting between the Chief Minister and me. But I feel there’s one person who won’t like such news—he’ll be disappointed and might head to his village,” he remarked, cryptically.
Adding to the intrigue, Devendra Fadnavis recently made a direct political overture to Uddhav Thackeray, offering him a place in the ruling alliance. During a session, Fadnavis said:
“Uddhavji, there is no scope for us to return to the Opposition benches until 2029. But if you wish to join us, the door is open. We can discuss it in a different way. Your Shiv Sena is still our ally.”
This open invitation to rejoin the government caused a stir, considering the strained relations between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) since their split in 2019.
In response, Uddhav Thackeray said such matters should be handled with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. “Things that happen in the House with friendliness should be taken in the same way,” he remarked, refraining from outright rejection or acceptance of the proposal.
Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis had met in the office of Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde. Addressing the media afterward, Fadnavis downplayed the encounter.
