‘Time to unite in the interest of Marathi, Maharashtra': Sena (UBT) amid talks of rapproachement between Thackeray cousins
Amid initial hints of rapproachment between estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday said that it was 'time to unite in the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra' and that the party workers were 'ready to safeguard the Marathi pride'.
The party made the statement in a social media post on X.
The post, written in Marathi, read: 'Time has come to unite for Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready to protect Marathi asmita ( pride)'
The Sena UBT's post has come days ahead of the Maharashtra Day, which is observed on May 1.
The statement comes amid talks of possible alliance between Uddhav-led Sena and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the local body elections later this year.
Highly placed sources in Shiv Sena ( UBT) said, 'The post has given a clear message. It is to mobilise the cadre. It also hints the party and its leaders hold pride and welfare of Marathi and Maharashtra above everything else.'
The source, however, added, 'Decisions related to alliance between Sena ( UBT) and MNS will only be finalised by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.'
A section within Uddhav Sena termed the post as 'an appeal for everyone to unite for the state's welfare'.
An MNS leader, on condition of anonymity, said, 'If Uddhav is taking a step forward, it is good. It will be reciprocated by us.'
The leader, however, cautioned that alliance is a serious matter and it will have to go through marathon discussions and will not happen through social media posts.
Both Uddhav and Raj are holidaying with their respective families outside India. As per sources in the both the parties, Raj is likely to return to Mumbai on April 29, whereas Uddhav is expected to return on May 4.
Last week, in an interview to filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, the MNS chief had said, 'Our coming together is not difficult. The differences are detrimental for the welfare of Maharashtra and Marathi people.'
He also underlined that while the disputes between Uddhav and him were minor, 'Maharashtra was much bigger than all that.'
Soon afterwards, Uddhav responded during his address to party workers in Mumbai. 'I am willing to come together in the interest of Maharashtra. I am ready to set aside minor issues. I never had differences. Yet, I have put aside all disputes.'
The statements by the Thackeray cousins evoked reactions from leaders of various parties.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule had said, 'It was a matter between two parties and their leaders. If they come together, it is good.'
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also echoed similar sentiments. 'It is good if they are setting their differences aside and coming together,' he said.
NCP ( SP) Supriya Sule, who personally called both brothers, termed it a 'golden moment'.
'I'm overwhelmed hearing this news about reunion of Uddhav-Raj,' she had said.
However, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, when asked about the possible reunion, told mediapersons, 'Let's talk about work.'
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