Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 20: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut clarified on Sunday that while discussions of a reunion between estranged cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray are ongoing, there is currently no formal alliance between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT).
“There is no alliance (between MNS and Shiv Sena – UBT) as of now, only emotional talks are going on… Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers. We have been together for years. Our relationship has not broken,” Raut told the media.
He emphasized that both cousins will make the final call regarding any political alliance, adding, “We have accepted what Uddhav Ji said: for Maharashtra, if we need to come together, we will.”
Raut also launched a sharp critique of political forces that he claims are harming Maharashtra’s interests under the guise of being well-wishers. He accused such parties of splitting the original Shiv Sena, founded by Balasaheb Thackeray, and stated that “no relations should be maintained with such parties.”
Quoting Uddhav Thackeray, Raut added, “There are a few parties who claim to be well-wishers of Maharashtra, but they are the enemies of Maharashtra. They broke Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena to attack the pride of the state. To be true Maharashtrians, we must sever ties with such entities.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the prospect of reconciliation between the Thackeray cousins. “If the two come together, we will be happy about it. If people settle their differences, it is a good thing,” he remarked.
His comments followed a statement by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in which he expressed openness to reuniting with Uddhav Thackeray by putting aside past grievances.