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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday said there has been no announcement of an alliance between his party and the MNS, but claimed “emotional talks” between the two are going on.
Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut and Raj Thackeray. (File)
Thackerays’ possible reunion: Amid the speculations of possible reconciliation between the estranged cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday has clarified that there has been no official alliance in place as of now, with only “emotional talks” are going on.
While speaking to the reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP said that Sena (UBT) chief has not set out a precondition for rapprochement with Raj Thackeray. He has only asked to prioritise the interest and not to break bread with the enemies of Maharashtra.
“… There is no alliance (between MNS and Shiv Sena -UBT) as of now, only emotional talks are going on…” Raut said.
#WATCH | Mumbai | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, “… There is no allaince (between MNS and Shiv Sena -UBT) as of now, only emotional talks are going on…”He says, “Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers. We have been together for years. Our relationship has not… pic.twitter.com/KW4V3OnJTL
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2025
Raut further stated that the relationship between the two brothers had not been broken.
“Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers. We have been together for years. Our relationship has not broken… Both brothers will decide (about the alliance),” he added.
While taking a veiled dig at the BJP, Raut dubbed the saffron camp as “the enemy of Maharashtra” and claimed it split Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, which worked to safeguard the pride of Maharashtra. He added that no relations should be maintained with such parties.
“Uddhav Ji said that there are a few parties who claim to be well-wishers of Maharashtra, but they are the enemy of Maharashtra. They broke Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena to attack the pride of Maharashtra, and with such parties, we shouldn’t have any relations, and then only we can be true Maharashtrians, and this is not a condition but the feelings of the people of Maharashtra, and this is what Udhhav ji has said…” the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP added.
Additionally, 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.
Earlier on Saturday, the Thackeray brothers indicated their willingness to unite for the interest of Maharashtra and Marathi people by keeping aside the differences between them.
In a candid interview with actor Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj Thackeray spoke on a range of topics, including Marathi identity, the upcoming Mumbai municipal elections, Eknath Shinde’s politics and a possible alliance with Uddhav Thackeray.
“The disputes and disagreements between us are minor, compared to greater causes. Maharashtra is far bigger than our personal issues. These matters are trivial in the fight for the existence of the Marathi identity. Coming together or working together isn’t a difficult thing—it’s only a matter of will. And it’s not just about me. I believe all Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single front,” Raj Thackeray was quoted as saying by Loksatta.
Responding to Raj Thackeray’s message of unity, Uddhav Thackeray also said that he was ready to set aside minor differences for the sake of Maharashtra and stressed that he had put an end to all fights between the cousins.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the possibility of a reunion between the two cousins and called it a ‘good’ step. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, “If the two come together, we will be happy about it. If people settle their differences, it is a good thing. What else can I say about it?”
Political observers believe that there is a possibility of the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) wishing to resolve their political differences in view of the civic body elections, including the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, due in the state. However, the schedule for the civic polls has not yet been announced.
Earlier in February this year, the Thackeray cousins were seen sharing a candid moment at a wedding function in Mumbai. Uddhav and Raj were seen together at the wedding of a government official, Mahendra Kalyankar’s son in Andheri, which further intensified speculation of a thaw in ties between the two parties.
Raj Thackeray left the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 when he resigned from the party and announced MNS on 9 March 2006 in Mumbai. Since then, their political paths have diverged.
(With inputs from agencies)
