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Fadnavis declined to respond to reports of a possible reconciliation between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacted to a possible Uddhav-Thackeray reunion.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declined to respond to several reports of a possible reconciliation between Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, saying it is their decision.
“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 in Pune. Until then, let the media fly its kite of speculation. Why should I react to it?”
Fandvais further said there was not much clarity about how much of a real conversation was taking place between the Thackeray cousins, despite the chatter in the media.
ALSO READ: Major Political Shift In Maharashtra Soon? Posters Urging Uddhav, Raj Thackeray To Unite Come Up
Uddhav-Raj Reunion On The Cards?
The buzz for a reunion between the Thackeray cousins was reignited after posters demanding they join hands were seen in Girgaon area of Mumbai, ahead of municipal elections in the state. The text written on the poster read,” The 8 crore Marathi population of Maharashtra wants both the brothers together again.”
Dropping hints of a possible merger after over two decades, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav said on Friday that “whatever people of Maharashtra wish will happen.” Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had expressed willingness to reunite in April in the interest of Maharashtra and Marathi people by keeping aside the differences between them.
“The disputes and disagreements between us are minor, compared to greater causes. Maharashtra is far bigger than our personal issues,” Raj Thackeray said in an interview with actor Mahesh Manjrekar at the time.
Responding to Raj Thackeray’s message of unity, Uddhav Thackeray also said that he was ready to set aside minor differences for the sake of Maharashtra and stressed that he had put an end to all fights between the cousins. However, he demanded clarity on whether the alliance should be focused on Maharashtra’s welfare or on fulfilling the BJP’s interests.
MNS-Shiv Sena History
Raj Thackeray founded the MNS in 2006 after he left the Shiv Sena party due to differences with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, as he felt sidelined by the party. For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Raj Thackeray offered his unconditional support to the state’s ruling Mahayuti alliance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, Raj Thackeray’s party drew a blank in the Lok Sabha elections, while Uddhav received a significant setback after winning only 20 seats in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Their bid for a reunion comes as all eyes are on the upcoming local body elections, where the united Shiv Sena held sway for over two decades.
In February, both Raj and Uddhav were seen sharing a candid moment at a wedding function in Mumbai, which ignited speculation over a possible reconciliation.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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