'We didn't have any quarrels': 5 quotes by Uddhav, Raj as 'Thackeray brothers' say MNS-Shiv Sena UBT alliance not impossible

Political circles in Maharashtra are thrilled after Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opened up about an alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction. Any disputes or disagreements he has with Uddhav become trivial when it comes to matters concerning Maharashtra and the existence of the Marathi people, Raj Thackeray said. 

 

Interestingly, former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has responded positively to his cousin's statements. Speaking at a public podium, Balasaheb Thackeray's son confirmed that he too was willing to put all petty disputes aside for the benefit of Maharashtra.

 

Balasaheb's nephew Raj Thackeray was poised to be his political successor in Maharashtra before Uddhav's fast-paced growth began. Years after being sidelined, Raj Thackeray resigned from Shiv Sena in 2005 and founded Maharashtra Navnirman Sena the following year.

 

As speculations are rife about an alliance between the "Thackeray brothers", here are five things that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray said that will paint a clear picture of the story so far.

 

1. During an interview, MNS leader Raj Thackeray said that it was not difficult for him and Uddhav to come together. "We need to see the larger picture for Maharashtra and I am seeing that. What I am saying is that all the Marathi leaders from all the political parties in Maharashtra should come together and form a single party." Raj Thackeray confirmed that he has no problem forming an alliance with Shiv Sena "for the greater good of Maharashtra."   

 

2. Marathi media reports quoted Raj Thackeray as saying: "...when I was in the Shiv Sena, I had no problem working with Uddhav. But does the other party want me to work with him?" Raj Thackeray further said, "If Maharashtra wants us to have an alliance, Maharashtra should go and tell him (Uddhav Thackeray). I never bring my ego into small things."

 

3. "Coming together, living together does not seem to be a very difficult thing. The matter is only a matter of desire because this is not my issue alone. What I am saying is that all Marathi people from all political parties should come together and form a single party," the 56-year-old leader said.

 

4. Uddhav's reaction to the development while speaking at the 57th annual general meeting of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena in Dadar on Saturday.  "I am also ready to put aside petty disputes. I am appealing to all Marathi people to come together for the benefit of Maharashtra," he said.

 

5. "We didn't have any quarrels, but I still declare that our quarrels have been resolved. At that time, all Marathi people should decide whether to go with the BJP or come with me. Then give whatever support you want unconditionally. My only condition is the interest of Maharashtra," Uddhav Thackeray added.

India