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Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion: Are Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders ready for alliance?
NEW DELHI: As the rumors about and his estranged cousin 's reunion start getting traction, the leaders of (UBT) and (MNS) said that personal relationships and organisational alignment need addressing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cousins' recent statements suggest a possible reconciliation after nearly 20 years of separation, with both expressing willingness to overlook minor differences. The Sena (UBT) recently shared an enigmatic social media message stating, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)." Both cousins are currently overseas, with Raj expected to return in late April and Uddhav in early May. This reunion speculation emerges as both parties face their most challenging political period, with poor electoral performance. The Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats in the 2024 assembly polls, while the MNS failed to win any seats. Leaders of both parties have, however, said that though Uddhav's response to Raj's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done. Party officials indicate that despite the positive signals, implementation remains complex. A Sena (UBT) representative highlighted the cousins' contrasting personalities. Historical tensions persist since Raj's 2005 departure from Shiv Sena, which he attributed to Uddhav. Raj has consistently maintained he would only work under Bal Thackeray's leadership. The situation extends beyond the two leaders to their families, particularly their sons Aaditya and Amit, who are being prepared for future leadership roles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Prakash Akolkar, author of "Jai Maharashtra", notes this differs from previous political alliances, as it involves a personal family dispute over Bal Thackeray's legacy. "The fight between Uddhav and Raj is personal and a family feud, where both brothers are vying for the family assets. The assets are not always monetary. Here, the asset is Bal Thackeray's legacy," Akolkar said. Practical challenges include seat-sharing arrangements in stronghold areas like Dadar and Worli, and ideological differences. "When we discuss seat-sharing agreements in Mumbai, how will the seats be divided? How will the winnable and non-winnable seats be divided? What about areas like Dadar and Worli, where both parties have a strong base? What about other cities where Sena (UBT) and MNS have their strength," an MNS leader said. He also raised the question of ideologies. While Raj is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has focused on making the party more inclusive, especially warming up to the Muslim community. "If Uddhav has asked us to sever ties with the BJP, will he do the same with the Congress?" asked the MNS leader. While Raj positions himself as a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has adopted a more inclusive approach, particularly towards the Muslim community. MNS representatives have raised concerns about reconciling these divergent positions and addressing past grievances.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
As Uddhav Thackeray-Raj Thackeray reunion buzz gains traction, Sena (UBT), MNS leaders say it's easier said than done
With speculations about rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray gathering steam, leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ( MNS ) have said that though it is a promising prospect, personal ties and organisational synergy are hurdles that need to be overcome. The Thackeray cousins have sparked a buzz about a possible reconciliation, with statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands nearly two decades after they parted ways. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" While MNS chief Raj Thackeray has said uniting in the interests of Marathi manoos is not difficult, former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that he was ready to put aside trivial fights, provided those working against the state's interests were not entertained. The Sena (UBT) on Saturday put up a cryptic post on its social media handles, saying, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)." 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The cousins are currently abroad. Raj is expected to return in the last week of April, and Uddhav in the first week of May. The reunion buzz has also come at a time when both parties have reached a nadir with regard to their electoral performance and are going through their toughest political phase. Live Events The Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS drew a blank in the 2024 assembly polls. Leaders of both parties have, however, said that though Uddhav's response to Raj's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done. A Sena (UBT) leader said both cousins are of different temperaments. The past baggage over more than two decades has resulted in mistrust towards each other - Raj had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 and blamed Uddhav for it. He has made it clear several times that he could work under no one but Bal Thackeray. Last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said family relations are not severed because of politics. But personal ties are not just restricted to two individuals - it is also about their immediate families, especially the sons of both the cousins - Aaditya (Uddhav) and Amit (Raj) - who are being groomed to helm the organisation eventually. This will be different, unlike the alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena, Congress and the undivided NCP in 2019, said Prakash Akolkar, the author of "Jai Maharashtra", a book on the history of Shiv Sena. "The fight between Uddhav and Raj is personal and a family feud, where both brothers are vying for the family assets. The assets are not always monetary. Here, the asset is Bal Thackeray's legacy," Akolkar said. He said Bal Thackeray's wife Meena was the family's matriarch and played a critical role in the party behind the scenes. "Now, the spouses (of Uddhav and Raj) are matriarchs of their parties and will play a similar role if there is any possibility of reconciliation," Akolkar added. Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane had last week questioned if Uddhav Thackeray had consulted his wife Rashmi before responding to Raj's statement that triggered speculation of an alliance. A Sena (UBT) leader acknowledged that coming together of the two parties is more difficult than it appears. The prospect of the two cousins coming together has enthused supporters of both parties, but it might not be the case with a section of cadres and party leaders. "When we discuss seat-sharing agreements in Mumbai, how will the seats be divided? How will the winnable and non-winnable seats be divided? What about areas like Dadar and Worli, where both parties have a strong base? What about other cities where Sena (UBT) and MNS have their strength," an MNS leader said. He also raised the question of ideologies. While Raj is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav has focused on making the party more inclusive, especially warming up to the Muslim community. "If Uddhav has asked us to sever ties with the BJP, will he do the same with the Congress?" asked the MNS leader. Last week, MNS spokesperson and party's Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande asked if Uddhav would apologise to 17,000 MNS activists who were slapped with police cases for protesting against loudspeakers outside mosques when he was the chief minister.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Shiv Sena (UBT) calls for unity to safeguard Marathi pride amid Uddhav-Raj reunion talks
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday said it was time to unite in the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra, and party workers were ready to protect Marathi pride, a statement that has come amid speculation about a possible reunion of estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. The party made the statement in a cryptic post on social media. "Time has come to unite for the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready to protect Marathi 'asmita' (pride)," the Shiv Sena (UBT) said in a post on X. Last week, Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement with his cousin and former chief minister Uddhav, noting their past differences are 'trivial' and uniting for the greater good of 'Marathi manoos' is not a difficult task. To this, Uddhav Thackeray said he is ready to put aside trivial fights provided those working against Maharashtra's interests will not be entertained. Asked about the possibility of an alliance between the Sena (UBT) and MNS, BJP state president and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "It is their prerogative to come together or form an alliance. We have no problem."
News18
26-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Shiv Sena (UBT) Calls For Unity In Maharashtra Amid Buzz Over Uddhav-Raj Reunion
Last Updated: Earlier this week, Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement with his cousin and former chief minister Uddhav. The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday said it was time to unite in the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra, and party workers were ready to protect Marathi pride, a statement that has come amid speculation about a possible reunion of estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. The party made the statement in a cryptic post on social media. "Time has come to unite for the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready to protect Marathi 'asmita' (pride)," the Shiv Sena (UBT) said in a post on X. Last week, Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement with his cousin and former chief minister Uddhav, noting their past differences are 'trivial" and uniting for the greater good of 'Marathi manoos" is not a difficult task. To this, Uddhav Thackeray said he is ready to put aside trivial fights provided those working against Maharashtra's interests will not be entertained. Asked about the possibility of an alliance between the Sena (UBT) and MNS, BJP state president and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "It is their prerogative to come together or form an alliance. We have no problem."
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Time to unite for Mumbai, Maharashtra, says Sena (UBT) amid Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion buzz
MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday said it was time to unite in the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra, and party workers were ready to protect Marathi pride, a statement that has come amid speculation about a possible reunion of estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. The party made the statement in a cryptic post on social media. "Time has come to unite for the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready to protect Marathi 'asmita' (pride)," the Shiv Sena (UBT) said in a post on X. Last week, Raj Thackeray sparked with his cousin and former chief minister Uddhav, noting their past differences are "trivial" and uniting for the greater good of - 'Marathi manoos' is not a difficult task. To this, Uddhav Thackeray said he is ready to put aside trivial fights provided those working against Maharashtra's interests will not be entertained. Asked about the possibility of an alliance between the Sena (UBT) and MNS, BJP state president and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "It is their prerogative to come together or form an alliance. We have no problem."
