Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 21: The Shiv Sena has responded to growing speculation about a potential reconciliation between Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Reports of the two leaders setting aside nearly two decades of political rivalry have fueled discussions about a possible alliance.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to spokespersons, downplayed the significance of such a union. "This reconciliation will not have a major impact on the political landscape of Maharashtra. I am surprised by Uddhav Thackeray’s stance. It seems both unfortunate and dangerous that a party unable to win elections independently resorts to forming alliances with Congress, compromising with Muslim votes. Despite this, they only secured 20 seats in the Assembly elections. Now, they seek support from MNS," he said.

Nirupam questioned the appropriateness of MNS aligning with Uddhav Thackeray's faction, which he alleged has become aligned with a specific vote bank. "MNS needs to decide whether it wants to partner with a party that has become ‘Muslim League’ or with Uddhav Thackeray, who now plays a role under the influence of Muslim clerics. Uddhav aligned with those accused of terrorism and bomb blasts in Mumbai, all while using them as campaign stars. Is this what’s in the best interest of Maharashtra?" he asked.

He further suggested that the proposed alliance was driven more by electoral gains than the welfare of Maharashtra. "If those advocating for such alliances feel it’s in Maharashtra’s interest, they are welcome to proceed. We have no issue," he concluded.

Conversely, the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ hailed the potential alliance as a "befitting reply" to those "anti-Maharashtra." The editorial asserted, "Marathi manoos has the strength to fight against those who oppose Maharashtra’s interests. Therefore, Marathi people must come together. Raj Thackeray understands this, and Uddhav Thackeray has responded positively."

The idea of a reconciliation gained traction following Uddhav Thackeray's positive response to Raj Thackeray's suggestion of setting aside differences for the greater good of Maharashtra. The possible reunion has since become a subject of intense debate.

Raj Thackeray, who left the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 to form MNS in 2006, has maintained a separate political path from his cousin.

‘Saamana’ further emphasized the need for unity among the Marathi people, arguing that division only harms the state's future. The editorial also criticized the central government, stating, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis do not truly belong to Maharashtra. How can they represent the state if they don’t understand its people?"