NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde showed visible irritation when questioned about the potential alliance between cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray.
During his visit to his native Dare village in Satara, Shinde dismissed a reporter’s question about the possible reunion, pushing away the microphone and directing the journalist to “talk about work” instead.
The incident comes amid growing speculation about a reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins, who have both recently expressed willingness to put aside their differences.
“I am ready to come together (with Raj Thackeray). I am ready to come forward in the interest of Maharashtra, keeping aside minor incidents. I have put an end to all fights. The interest of Maharashtra is my priority,” former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI during his address at the 57th annual general meeting of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena.
Raj Thackeray echoed a similar sentiment, saying that “coming together is not difficult” and that differences between cousins are “proving costly for the existence of Maharashtra and Marathi people”.
“The disputes and fights between Uddhav and me are minor — Maharashtra is much bigger than all that. These differences are proving costly for the existence of Maharashtra and the Marathi people,” Raj Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
“Coming together is not difficult, it’s a matter of will. It’s not just about my desire or selfishness. We need to look at the bigger picture. All Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single party,” he added.
Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the possibility of a political reunion between estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, calling it a “good” development.
“If the two come together, we will be happy about it. If people settle their differences, it’s a good thing. What else can I say about it? I also appeal to all Marathi people to come together for the benefit of Maharashtra and Marathi,” Fadnavis said.
