‘Alliances are not formed through media sound bites': MNS leader Amit Thackeray on the possibility of an alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT)
Amid mounting speculation over a possible alliance between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, MNS leader and Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray Thursday took a veiled dig at Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and other leaders who have been making statements hinting at a rapprochement.
'Alliances aren't formed through media sound bites or newspaper headlines. Direct dialogue is necessary,' Amit Thackeray said, speaking to reporters in Mumbai.
Referring to the frequent commentary from Sena (UBT) leaders, he said, 'Every morning, someone gets up and says something about the alliance. But who are they trying to fool? If there is to be an alliance, the two brothers, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, need to talk. They have each other's phone numbers.'
Talking about attempts for the formation of an alliance in recent years, Amit Thackeray claimed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was Raj Thackeray who had taken the first step by calling Uddhav Thackeray, the then chief minister of Maharashtra. 'This time, there's just talk in the media, but no real effort,' he added.
When asked whether he personally supports the alliance, Amit Thackeray replied, 'Whatever Raj Thackeray wants is what I want.'
The remarks came days after Raut stated that Raj Thackeray had expressed willingness to join hands, and that Uddhav Thackeray had 'responded positively'. However, MNS circles seemed unconvinced. One party functionary likened Shiv Sena (UBT)'s position to admiring mountains from afar – 'distant and decorative, but without substance'.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, had also earlier signalled willingness for forming an alliance, saying, 'We've already expressed our intent. Anyone who wishes to work for the welfare of the Marathi people and Maharashtra is welcome.' Citing a recent joint protest involving Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Deepesh Mhatre and MNS's Raju Patil, Aaditya Thackeray said such examples show the shared ground between the two parties.
'We know what is in the minds of the people, and our minds are clear. Whichever leader is ready to come with us for the benefit of Maharashtra, whichever party is coming forward, we will fight together with them,' Aditya Thackeray clarified.
While leaders from both sides continue to make suggestive remarks, political observers said that the absence of a direct meeting between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray is the biggest stumbling block for the alliance.
A senior political analyst said, 'For all the noise, unless the cousins meet face-to-face, the idea of a Sena-MNS alliance will remain just that – an idea.'
In 2005, Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena, a party founded by his uncle Bal Thackeray, after reportedly feeling sidelined. Thereafter, he launched the MNS in March 2006.
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