New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday declined to comment to the media on any talks of reconciliation between Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray.
“I have no interest in being ‘begani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana’. These are two parties, two brothers — it’s up to them to decide their course of action. Once they make their decision, we will respond,” Fadnavis told reporters.
I won’t be giving any reaction: Fadnavis
“Until then, let the media fly its kite of speculation. Why should I react to it? One thing I can see clearly: while we don’t know how much real conversation is happening between them, there is certainly a lot of chatter in the media. So for now, I won’t be giving any reaction,” he added.
In 2006, Raj Thackeray left the undivided Shiv Sena and founded the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Thackeray hints towards possible reconciliation
Former Chief Minister Udbhav Thackeray on Saturday denied any discussions regarding an alliance between the NCP and Shiv Sena. Thackeray added that the people of Maharashtra would decide the fate of the two parties. He mentioned that the question of an alliance has arisen due to the upcoming civic body polls and the poor performance of both Sena and MNS in the 2024 elections. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told the media that the two cousins have likely exchanged phone calls to discuss the possibility of an alliance.
On the other hand, MNS spokesperson and Mumbai President Sandeep Deshpande said that the Sena should at least send a formal proposal to Raj Thackeray or call him to initiate discussions about a potential alliance. Deshpande further added that the MNS had made attempts to reconcile during the 2014 Assembly elections and the 2017 Mumbai civic polls.
Raj assesses sentiments of party workers and public
The Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamna featured an old photograph of Raj Thackeray with Uddhav Thackeray on its front page on Sunday. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray convened another meeting with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders on Saturday, reportedly to assess the sentiments of both his party workers and the public on the matter.
“Leaders from both sides have been deliberating on the possibilities of coming together, as it is seen as the need of the hour for both parties,” said a Sena leader. “Both are going through troubled phases and it is a battle for survival for them.”
Considering all the discussions around reconciliation, it can be assumed that the two parties might merge in the coming days.
