Thackeray Cousins Hold the Key: Uddhav and Raj Alone to Script Alliance Saga, Says Sanjay Raut

As rumors swirl about a potential reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has made it abundantly clear: the decision regarding an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) rests solely with the two leaders, not with party workers or other officials.   

 

Key Highlights: 

 

⁠• Leadership Prerogative: Sanjay Raut stressed that only Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have the power to make decisions about any alliance, brushing aside comments from others as unnecessary. 

* Political Context: This discussion comes amid ongoing overtures from Sena (UBT) to MNS, with speculation intensifying after Raj Thackeray’s private meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, raising eyebrows about his political stance. 

* MNS Silence: While Uddhav Thackeray has openly shown interest in unity, MNS has taken a more cautious or dismissive approach, with Raj Thackeray keeping a low profile and refraining from making direct statements. 

* Marathi Unity Theme: Sena (UBT) has tapped into emotional appeals and symbolism—like old photos and posters—to advocate for a united Thackeray front, aiming to consolidate the Marathi vote ahead of the upcoming civic elections. 

* Party Dynamics: Previous attempts at unity have met with mixed reactions, as MNS leaders have called for a formal proposal and recalled past calls for unity that went unheeded.  

 

Outlook: 

With the ball now firmly in the Thackeray cousins’ court, Maharashtra’s political scene is on edge, waiting for a significant move. A reunion could dramatically alter the dynamics of the civic elections, but for now, it’s up to Uddhav and Raj to unlock the potential for a historic alliance.

 

Source: Economic Times