IANSShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said, “Whatever the people of Maharashtra wish will happen,” fueling speculation about a possible alliance with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The two parties, which fared poorly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, have become the focus of renewed chatter ahead of civic body polls. Uddhav, speaking to reporters, maintained that there was no confusion among workers of either party regarding a potential tie-up, though he sidestepped questions on whether talks were underway.
The MNS was founded by Raj Thackeray in 2006 after breaking away from the unified Shiv Sena, and relations between the two cousins have been frosty since. However, signs of a thaw have emerged in recent days.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Uddhav, hinted at some form of contact, saying there may have been phone calls between the cousins but refused to elaborate.
From the MNS camp, Mumbai unit chief Sandeep Deshpande called for a formal approach from Uddhav Thackeray’s party to initiate alliance talks. “Let them send a proposal or at least make a phone call,” Deshpande said, recalling past attempts by the MNS to forge a partnership during the 2014 Assembly and 2017 civic polls.
Thane MNS president Avinash Jadhav added, “If Uddhav takes one step, Raj will take 100,” while underlining that political alliances are not formed in front of the cameras.
Recent statements by both sides have indicated a softening stance. Raj Thackeray has said uniting for the cause of the Marathi manoos is not difficult, and Uddhav Thackeray has said he is willing to overlook “trivial fights” as long as Maharashtra’s interests are not compromised.
MNS leader Amit Thackeray on Thursday echoed the sentiment, saying alliances are not stitched together through press statements, but through direct talks. Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray earlier said, “If anyone wants to come together to protect Maharashtra’s interest, we will also take them along.”
Asked about the brewing developments, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the speculation, saying it was up to Raj Thackeray to respond to Uddhav’s remarks. “How am I concerned? It’s for them to decide,” he told reporters in Gadchiroli.
Deputy CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, whose party is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, refrained from commenting on the possible Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up. However, he said the Mahayuti would sweep the civic polls.
Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar also distanced himself from the matter. “Raj leads the MNS and Uddhav leads Shiv Sena (UBT). Whether the ‘railway engine’ and the ‘mashaal’ come together is for them to decide,” he said, referring to the two parties’ poll symbols.
Meanwhile, Congress, an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has cautiously welcomed the idea of an alliance between the two Thackeray factions. “If they come together to protect Maharashtra’s interests and keep a communal BJP away, we will welcome the move,” said Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe.
With inputs from PTI
The two parties, which fared poorly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, have become the focus of renewed chatter ahead of civic body polls. Uddhav, speaking to reporters, maintained that there was no confusion among workers of either party regarding a potential tie-up, though he sidestepped questions on whether talks were underway.
The MNS was founded by Raj Thackeray in 2006 after breaking away from the unified Shiv Sena, and relations between the two cousins have been frosty since. However, signs of a thaw have emerged in recent days.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Uddhav, hinted at some form of contact, saying there may have been phone calls between the cousins but refused to elaborate.
From the MNS camp, Mumbai unit chief Sandeep Deshpande called for a formal approach from Uddhav Thackeray’s party to initiate alliance talks. “Let them send a proposal or at least make a phone call,” Deshpande said, recalling past attempts by the MNS to forge a partnership during the 2014 Assembly and 2017 civic polls.
Thane MNS president Avinash Jadhav added, “If Uddhav takes one step, Raj will take 100,” while underlining that political alliances are not formed in front of the cameras.
Recent statements by both sides have indicated a softening stance. Raj Thackeray has said uniting for the cause of the Marathi manoos is not difficult, and Uddhav Thackeray has said he is willing to overlook “trivial fights” as long as Maharashtra’s interests are not compromised.
MNS leader Amit Thackeray on Thursday echoed the sentiment, saying alliances are not stitched together through press statements, but through direct talks. Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray earlier said, “If anyone wants to come together to protect Maharashtra’s interest, we will also take them along.”
Asked about the brewing developments, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the speculation, saying it was up to Raj Thackeray to respond to Uddhav’s remarks. “How am I concerned? It’s for them to decide,” he told reporters in Gadchiroli.
Deputy CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, whose party is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, refrained from commenting on the possible Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up. However, he said the Mahayuti would sweep the civic polls.
Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar also distanced himself from the matter. “Raj leads the MNS and Uddhav leads Shiv Sena (UBT). Whether the ‘railway engine’ and the ‘mashaal’ come together is for them to decide,” he said, referring to the two parties’ poll symbols.
Meanwhile, Congress, an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has cautiously welcomed the idea of an alliance between the two Thackeray factions. “If they come together to protect Maharashtra’s interests and keep a communal BJP away, we will welcome the move,” said Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe.
With inputs from PTI
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