Raj Thackeray Returns to Shiv Sena Bhavan After 20 Years, Allies with Uddhav

• MNS chief Raj Thackeray visited Shiv Sena Bhavan after 20 years, marking a reunion with Uddhav Thackeray.
• The return follows an alliance between the Thackeray cousins for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, announced on January 15.
• Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) jointly released their manifesto 'Vachan Nama' from the Bhavan.
• Key manifesto promises include affordable housing, women's welfare, 'Swabhiman Nidhi' (Rs 1,500/month for domestic helpers/Koli women), and 'Maa Saheb' kitchens (Rs 10 meals).
• Raj's 2005 split from Shiv Sena was due to a rift with Uddhav and Balasaheb's backing of Uddhav as heir, leading to the formation of MNS in 2006.

Why It Matters: Raj Thackeray's return to Shiv Sena Bhavan after 20 years signals a significant political reunion.