NEW DELHI: Despite recent buzz around a possible reconciliation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday clarified that there has been no official alliance formed between his party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), though he acknowledged that “emotional talks” are underway.
“There is no announcement of an alliance. Currently, emotional talks are going on,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai, while adding that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has not placed any preconditions for a rapprochement with his estranged cousin, MNS president Raj Thackeray. “They meet at family functions. They are brothers,” the Rajya Sabha MP said.
The speculation gained momentum following the release of a podcast interview of Raj Thackeray by filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. In the recording, made weeks ago but published on Saturday, Raj said he had no issues working with Uddhav in the undivided Shiv Sena. “The question is whether Uddhav wants to work with me,” he remarked.
MNS Mumbai president and spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande sought to downplay the excitement, stating that too much is being read into Raj’s comments. “An election tie-up is a distant step. Sena (UBT) must first support MNS in its fight for the Marathi language and people,” he said.
Both Raj and Uddhav have made statements recently indicating a willingness to move past old grievances. Raj has said reuniting for the sake of the “Marathi manoos” should not be difficult, while Uddhav has stated he’s willing to overlook “trivial fights”—as long as no one is aiding those working against Maharashtra’s interests.
This last remark was interpreted as a jab at Raj Thackeray for hosting deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Uddhav’s political rival, at his home. Uddhav had also warned against helping “thieves,” a veiled reference to the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Raut backed this line of thinking on Sunday. “Uddhav has not made any demands, only that the interest of Maharashtra must come first—and that we should not align with its enemies,” he said. “Raj talks about Maharashtra, so does Uddhav. BJP does not fit in. Anyone with the BJP is against Maharashtra.”
Deshpande countered, asking, “If you’re not going to support us on Marathi issues, how will things move forward?” He also questioned Uddhav’s past decisions, pointing out that 17,000 MNS workers were booked under his chief ministership for protesting loudspeakers outside mosques. “Does he now feel that was a mistake? Will he apologise to Maharashtra Sainiks?” Deshpande asked.
