Will Udhav, Raj really join hands ?

Although Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, came together during its massive rally, in support of the Marathi language, it is not clear whether both will join hands before the ensuing elections to 26 local bodies, including the BMC.

Although by and large the people from Maharashtra hope that bitterness between both the brothers should end soon, going by Raj Thackeray\s closeness with the BJP and his ambition to garner a sizable number of seats in the ensuing BMC election, may pose a hurdle.

Even though Uddhav Thackeray has said that he was open to talks and has said that “What is in Maharashtra’s heart will happen”, he also has a pre-condition that Raj should not adopt  manoeuvres like having a tacit understanding with the BJP he recently Raj had a secret meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Besides Mahayuti leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Uday Samant visiting Raj’s residence “Shiv Tirth” in Dadar quite frequently.   

The BMC polls likely to be held around October and Uddhav Thackeray has already steered his workers and has directed them to began preparations for BMC polls.

MNS leader Amit Thackeray has asserted that if anything concrete is to happen, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray must speak directly.

“Two brothers should speak. We (others) talking on this issue will not make any difference. I don’t have any issue with the two brothers coming together, but I have seen this in 2014 and 2017,” an MNS functionary said, referring to previous, unsuccessful alliance efforts between MNS and the then-undivided Shiv Sena.

He also recalled Raj Thackeray’s gesture of support to Uddhav during the COVID-19 pandemic when the latter was serving as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. “If he (Uddhav) wishes, he can make a call. Alliances do not happen while talking in the media. They have each other’s mobile numbers, they can talk to each other,” he said.

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray parted ways nearly two decades ago, but recent statements from both sides have suggested that a thaw may be underway. While Raj has said that coming together for the sake of the “Marathi manoos” is not difficult, Uddhav has expressed readiness to overlook “trivial fights” — provided no one working against Maharashtra’s interests is welcomed.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also hinted at a broader coalition, stating recently, “If anyone wants to come together to protect the interest of Maharashtra, then we will also take them along.”