India, July 28 -- In what is being perceived as a step forward in a political alliance between the estranged cousins, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree, Uddhav's Bandra residence to wish him on his 65th birthday on Sunday.

This is the first birthday visit by Raj to Matoshree after he left the Shiv Sena and formed the MNS in March 2006 although he has visited for other reasons over the years. "Raj has visited me after several years to wish me on my birthday," said Uddhav. "This increased my happiness manifold, and I hope it brings more happiness in the coming years."

The continuing speculation about the two cousins reuniting had intensified when they addressed...