When Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena in 2005: 20 years later, Uddhav says 'let's talk'

As Maharashtra watched, one Thackeray broke away while the other chose to stay and steer the Sena through stormy waters

NEW DELHI: In what was a defining moment for Maharashtra politics , the winter of 2005 witnessed a rift that split not just a party but a powerful political family. As Raj Thackeray formally announced his resignation from Shiv Sena — the party once helmed by his uncle and political idol Bal Thackeray — it sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.

According to a TOI article, at a packed press conference held at Shivaji Park Gymkhana — barely metres from the very ground where Balasaheb founded the Sena in 1966 — Raj laid bare his disappointment. Choked with emotion, he told reporters that all he ever asked for from ‘Matoshree’ was respect. “All I got in return was humiliation,” he said, visibly hurt. “I wouldn’t wish a day like this even on my worst enemy.”

Outside the venue, a massive crowd of supporters, drums in hand, gathered to show solidarity. Some compared it to a political rally, others to a family rebellion. Raj addressed them from the terrace, promising to take Balasaheb’s dream of a progressive Maharashtra forward through a new party. He clarified he wasn’t looking to split the Sena, even though many MPs, MLAs, and corporators had extended their support to him after he quit all Sena posts on November 27.

Raj’s public break with the party followed months of inner churn, going back to the early 2000s when murmurs of a succession tussle first emerged. It was, in fact, way back in January 2002 that this newspaper first broke the story of a growing cold war between the cousins. While Bal Thackeray had anointed Uddhav as executive president, Raj — then a popular youth leader — felt increasingly sidelined.

A little over a month after stepping down from key party roles, Raj made it official: he was walking away. The decision followed another jolt to the Sena — the exit of former CM Narayan Rane earlier that year, also over differences with Uddhav.

‘Sena will survive’: Uddhav’s measured response to Raj’s exit

A couple of hours after Raj’s explosive presser, Uddhav Thackeray finally broke his silence from Matoshree. Flanked by close aide and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, the younger Thackeray struck a balance between disappointment and resolve.

“Raj’s exit saddens me, not just politically but personally,” Uddhav said, choosing his words carefully. “But the Shiv Sena is not dependent on one person. The work we’ve begun — from fighting for farmers to addressing the power crisis — will continue.”

Uddhav revealed that the Sena leadership had hoped for a truce after Raj’s revolt on November 27, especially following a December 15 meeting between Raj and Bal Thackeray. “We had hoped things could be resolved, but Raj remained unmoved,” he added, implying that the door to reconciliation had been kept open till the very end.

As Raj’s supporters celebrated in Shivaji Park, Matoshree maintained a studied calm. A handful of loyal Shiv Sainiks had gathered, but there were no drums, no slogans — only silent solidarity.

When asked if Raj’s new outfit would split the Marathi and Hindu vote, Uddhav dismissed the concern. “The people of Maharashtra know who truly stands for Balasaheb’s ideals,” he said. “Those celebrating Raj’s resignation were not Shiv Sainiks.”

Balasaheb Thackeray, notably, chose not to address the press himself. Instead, he watched his nephew’s announcement on television, leaving Uddhav to take charge of the narrative — possibly a subtle passing of the baton in more ways than one.

Fast forward twenty years, and the winds may finally be shifting

In April 2025, just months ahead of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, Uddhav Thackeray dropped a political bombshell — expressing readiness to align with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

“I am ready to come together. I am ready to move forward in the interest of Maharashtra,” Uddhav said at a press conference, hinting at a dramatic thaw in ties.

The statement comes as MNS struggles to stay electorally relevant, and Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) looks to reclaim lost ground against the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s faction. Raj, for his part, has often said that his fight with Uddhav was never personal — only political.

What began in 2005 as one of Maharashtra’s most bitter political splits may, in 2025, morph into an unlikely reunion. Whether this truce translates into a formal alliance or remains a symbolic overture remains to be seen — but for the Thackeray cousins, the script may no longer be stuck in the past.