Mumbai: The political circles in Maharashtra are once again abuzz with possible reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after the latter on Saturday indicated that he was ready to bury the hatchet in Maharashtra’s interest. Responding to estranged cousin, Uddhav said that he was also ready to forget and forgive provided Raj “unconditionally” supports him and swears on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not to entertain the Bharatiya Janata Party in future.
In an interview given to filmmaker Mahesh Manjarekar for a podcast, which was released on Saturday, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief said he was ready to patch up with Uddhav for the greater good of Maharashtra. He said he has worked with Uddhav in Shiv Sena and will not have problems working “with” him in future if it was necessary for Maharashtra’s welfare.
“Our disputes, disagreements are trivial. Maharashtra is a lot bigger. I am ready to keep my ego aside in the interest of Maharashtra. Coming together or working together is not difficult. But it is not in my hand alone, it is a question of willingness (of all). In fact, I am of the opinion that all Marathi people should come together and form a single political party,” Raj said.
The MNS chief left Shiv Sena in 2005 after Uddhav was made ‘executive president’ of the party. While leaving the party, he had accused Uddhav and his coterie of not letting him work. He said he could have split the party as many Shiv Sena legislators were ready to join him, but decided to build a new party on his own.
Comparing his exit with that of Eknath Shinde, Raj said, “Mr. Shinde’s politics and my decision (to leave Shiv Sena) were completely different. Many legislators had come to me. For me, it was easily possible (to split the party). But when I left Shiv Sena, I felt that I should not work under anyone except for Balasaheb Thackeray. When I was in the Shiv Sena, I had no reservations about working with Uddhav. But the question is whether the other person (Uddhav) is okay if I work with him.”
Uddhav also declared that he was ready to join hands with his cousin, who is now his bete noire.
“There was no dispute between us from my side. But still, I publicly announce today that all our differences are over. Now all Marathi people should decide whether they want to go behind the BJP or come with me. After that, decide whether to oppose me or support me. Maharashtra’s welfare is my only condition. But first take Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s oath that there will be no meetings with and direct or indirect campaign for others,” Uddhav said while addressing his party workers.
Expressing doubts over Raj’s commitment, Uddhav pointed out that the MNS chief has changed his stand regarding the BJP on many occasions. “I am also ready to keep aside our petty differences. But I have one condition. Had you opposed the BJP at the time of Lok Sabha election, when we were saying that all businesses from Maharashtra are being taken to Gujarat, this government would not have been formed. A government working for Maharashtra’s welfare would have been at the Centre and in the state today. We cannot accept that you supported the BJP then, opposing it now and will agree on a compromise in the future. First declare that I will not welcome, invite at home, host or have a meal with anyone working against Maharashtra’s interest. And then talk about Maharashtra’s welfare,” he said referring to frequent visits of BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leaders to the MNS chief’s home.
The reactions coming from other leaders of two parties suggested that there is still a big trust deficit in both parties. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut said from his party’s point of view, Raj Thackeray is not working in the interest of Maharashtra. “We will wait for something better than this to happen,” he said.
On the other hand, MNS leader Amey Khopkar said, “I pray to God that such an unholy alliance does not take place.”
Another MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said that Uddhav Thackeray has backstabbed Raj twice before. “Raj saheb and Uddhav had spoken about alliance in 2014. It was decided that Bala Nandgaokar from our side and Anil Desai from Shiv Sena will meet to discuss further things. Because of that, Raj sahen withheld AB forms of MNS candidates. But Uddav and Mr. Desai stopped taking our calls and Shiv Sena started distributing AB forms to their candidates while we were still waiting for their response. They again betrayed us in 2017,” Mr. Deshpande said.
When asked about the Thackeray cousins hinting at the alliance, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will be happy if they come together. But our media is reading too much into it. They are the ones making offers for an alliance. And they are only setting conditions for it. What can I say about it?” Mr. Fadnavis said.
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