Raj-Uddhav Thackeray union: ‘Only emotional talks, no alliance between Uddhav Sena and MNS,’ says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said no alliance talks have been held with Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the estranged cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, are just bonding “emotionally”. Raut’s comments come amid speculations that key Marathi leaders are joining hands again.

Raut told reporters, “There is no alliance (between MNS and Uddhav-led Shiv Sena) as of now, only emotional talks are going on," ANI reported." Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers. We have been together for years. Our relationship has not broken. Both brothers will decide (about the alliance),” Raut added.

 

The Uddhav Sena leader said the former chief minister has not placed preconditions for the alliance. “Uddhav Ji said that there are a few parties who claim to be well-wishers of Maharashtra, but they are the enemy of Maharashtra. They broke Balasaheb's Shiv Sena to attack the pride of Maharashtra, and with such parties, we shouldn't have any relations. Then only we can be true Maharashtrians, and this is not a condition but the feelings of the people of Maharashtra,” Raut said.

 

Speculations are abuzz in Maharashtra that estranged cousins are likely to join hands again. The development comes after the MNS chief said in a podcast that he is ready to “join hands” and work with Uddhav for the benefit of Maharashtrians. “For a bigger cause, our fights and issues are trivial. Maharashtra is very big. For Maharashtra, the existence of Marathi manoos (native Marathi speakers), these fights are very trivial. I don't think it is a difficult task to come together and stay united,” Raj had said. 

 

However, without mentioning Raj’s name, during a public event, Uddhav said, “I am also ready to put aside trivial issues and I appeal to everyone to come together for the sake of Marathi manoos." He added, “First decide that whoever works against the interests of Maharashtra will not be welcomed at home, you will not go to their homes and break bread with them.”

 

The Thackerays have staunchly opposed the Maharashtra government’s move to make Hindi mandatory for primary classes in the state. The MNS chief had said, “We are Hindus, but not Hindi.”

India