‘What Maharashtra wants will happen': Uddhav Thackeray confirms talks with MNS; Sanjay Raut hints ‘process has begun'

Indian Express

2 days ago

Amid growing talks over a possible reconciliation with cousin Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday confirmed that discussions—at least informally—are underway with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), saying that the party is now looking into 'minute details' of a potential alliance.
'There is no confusion in my mind or that of my Shiv Sainiks. Even MNS workers are in touch with us, and there is no confusion in their minds either,' Uddhav told reporters at his residence, Matoshree.
When asked directly about the status of the talks, he replied, 'Let us contemplate some minute details.' He added, 'I will not give a message—I will give news. And what is in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra—that will happen.'
Uddhav's remarks come a day after Raj's son Amit hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders for giving sound bites daily and instead called for a direct conversation between the two cousins.
'Alliances are not formed through media sound bites or newspaper headlines. Direct dialogue is necessary,' Amit had said on Thursday, adding that the two leaders have each other's phone numbers.
He revealed that it was Raj who had taken the initiative to start talks, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic when he called Uddhav, then the Maharashtra chief minister, but also earlier in 2014 and 2017.
Asked about his own views, Amit said, 'Whatever Raj Thackeray wants is what I want,' but reiterated that 'two brothers should talk — others talking won't help.'
On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut added to the momentum, saying that the 'process has begun'. 'We Sainiks are positive because the two leaders—the brothers—are positive. When we talk about phone calls between them, who knows? Maybe they have already spoken. How would we know?' Raut told reporters.
'Once the due process is completed, you will see the fruits of it. There is positivity among the workers of both parties,' he said.
Raut also quipped that he may soon visit Raj's residence. 'I may drop by Raj Thackeray's house for tea. After all, it is my house too.'
The growing signals of rapprochement between the once-bitter rivals have now triggered responses across the political spectrum.
The Congress, a key ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), extended support to the development. 'If two brothers are coming together, we welcome it,' said party spokesperson Atul Londhe.
However, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar offered a more guarded view. 'If the two brothers are coming together or not, it is their lookout. What and how can we comment on that?'
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, speaking earlier this week, had also signalled openness to the idea of working together. 'Anyone who is committed to the welfare of Maharashtra and the Marathi people is welcome,' he had said, citing a recent protest jointly held by Sena (UBT)'s Deepesh Mhatre and MNS's Raju Patil as an example of coordination on the ground.
Despite the continued exchange of goodwill from both camps, political observers, however, remain cautious. 'Unless there's a face-to-face meeting between Uddhav and Raj, the rest is conjecture. But Uddhav's remark today is the closest we have seen to confirmation,' a senior analyst said.
Raj Thackeray had split from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 and launched the MNS in 2006, following a bitter succession dispute in the Thackeray family.