Uddhav and Raj Thackeray get talking, Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS leaders raise pitch for reunion

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders did not rule out the possibility of Uddhav and Raj coming together after a gap of 17 years in the wake of the emerging political scenario in the state where both parties are struggling to establish themselves. MNS leaders too are positive about the possibility of a reunion.

Raj Thackarey and Uddhav Thackarey. (Express archive photo)

“I cannot reveal anything at this juncture. But yes, some activity is going on…You will soon come to know,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut said.

Later, speaking to ANI, Raut said, “There is no need for mediation to talk to Raj Thackeray…Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are brothers…My friendship with Raj Thackeray is known to everybody. Our political paths have separated but we have shared a large part of our lives with each other. We still have an emotional attachment.”

Former Aurangabad MP Chandrakant Khaire, who belongs to the Shiv Sena (UBT), said, “People are waiting for the two brothers to come together. But nothing can be said at this juncture.”

The first move in this regard came earlier this week from the MNS with its supporters putting up banners in Mumbai calling for the cousins to unite. On his part, Raj Thackeray said he would speak about it at his public rally.

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray with son Uddhav and nephew Raj. (Express archive)

Subsequently, Raut and MNS leader Abhijit Panse met on Thursday. The duo travelled together from Raut’s residence at Bhandup in Mumbai to the Saamana office located in Prabhadevi. Panse, however, denied he had given any proposal to Raut and said that it was a personal meeting.

MNS sources said that the party had earlier too made two offers to the Shiv Sena (UBT) but it had rejected the idea of working together. In a TV interview, Raj had said that he had spoken to Uddhav about coming together but there was no response from the other side.

When contacted, Bala Nandgaonkar, who is known as the right-hand man of Raj Thackeray, said, “I have been making efforts to bring the two brothers on one platform right from the beginning…If they come together, it will be in the larger interest of Maharashtra.”

Asked about the banners put up by MNS supporters, Nandgaonkar said, “Supporters have expressed their sentiments. They are in a mood to join hands with the Shiv Sena (UBT) but the final decision has to be taken by both the brothers.”