<p>Mumbai: It has been close to a month since Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have expressed willingness to sink their “minor differences” and work for the “larger interests” of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos, things are yet to move on the ground. </p><p>Both the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are facing severe challenges because of the debacle in the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections and face a gigantic task in the form of the ensuing elections to the local bodies which includes the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, which the undivided Shiv Sena had controlled for over 25 years.</p>.Big fan of Raj Thackeray, person like him should not go with Uddhav: Sena minister Yogesh Kadam.<p>When the development happened on 17 April, both Raj and Uddhav were abroad and are now back in Mumbai. </p><p>In a related development, state Industries Minister Uday Samant, who is a close aide of Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, met Raj on Tuesday. </p><p>“It was a courtesy call,” said Samant. </p><p>However, reacting to the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut dismissed it. “Samant is a minister in the government….he is not a leader,” he said. </p>.<p>However, on being asked about the possible tie-up between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, Raut was positive. “He (Raj) has made a statement…to which (Uddhav) has sent a positive response…now we are waiting from his side to take things ahead.” </p><p>While Raj’s comments came during a podcast by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Uddhav responded in no time while addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the trade wing of the party.</p><p>Raj had said: “The issues( between us) are very small…for me, the interest of Maharashtra is bigger and everything else is secondary before it. For that, I can set aside minor disputes and I am ready to work (with Uddhav)…the only question is that of will…and it’s not just about me. I believe all Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single front…What was more significant, Raj added: "I believe all Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single front.</p><p>In response, Uddhav said: “I am also ready to set aside minor disputes for the Marathi language and Maharashtra. I am ready to work together (with Raj) but he should not entertain anti-Maharashtra people and parties, definitely not 'gaddar' Sena…During the Lok Sabha elections, had they (MNS) opposed the BJP, their government would not have come to power at the Centre…you can’t extend support one day and oppose the next. You can’t compromise when convenient. Whoever stands in the way of Maharashtra’s welfare—I won’t show them any hospitality. I won’t invite them to my home. I won’t sit alongside them…he should take an oath in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”</p>
<p>Mumbai: It has been close to a month since Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have expressed willingness to sink their “minor differences” and work for the “larger interests” of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos, things are yet to move on the ground. </p><p>Both the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are facing severe challenges because of the debacle in the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections and face a gigantic task in the form of the ensuing elections to the local bodies which includes the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, which the undivided Shiv Sena had controlled for over 25 years.</p>.Big fan of Raj Thackeray, person like him should not go with Uddhav: Sena minister Yogesh Kadam.<p>When the development happened on 17 April, both Raj and Uddhav were abroad and are now back in Mumbai. </p><p>In a related development, state Industries Minister Uday Samant, who is a close aide of Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, met Raj on Tuesday. </p><p>“It was a courtesy call,” said Samant. </p><p>However, reacting to the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut dismissed it. “Samant is a minister in the government….he is not a leader,” he said. </p>.<p>However, on being asked about the possible tie-up between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, Raut was positive. “He (Raj) has made a statement…to which (Uddhav) has sent a positive response…now we are waiting from his side to take things ahead.” </p><p>While Raj’s comments came during a podcast by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Uddhav responded in no time while addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the trade wing of the party.</p><p>Raj had said: “The issues( between us) are very small…for me, the interest of Maharashtra is bigger and everything else is secondary before it. For that, I can set aside minor disputes and I am ready to work (with Uddhav)…the only question is that of will…and it’s not just about me. I believe all Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single front…What was more significant, Raj added: "I believe all Marathi people across political parties should unite and form a single front.</p><p>In response, Uddhav said: “I am also ready to set aside minor disputes for the Marathi language and Maharashtra. I am ready to work together (with Raj) but he should not entertain anti-Maharashtra people and parties, definitely not 'gaddar' Sena…During the Lok Sabha elections, had they (MNS) opposed the BJP, their government would not have come to power at the Centre…you can’t extend support one day and oppose the next. You can’t compromise when convenient. Whoever stands in the way of Maharashtra’s welfare—I won’t show them any hospitality. I won’t invite them to my home. I won’t sit alongside them…he should take an oath in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”</p>