<p>Mumbai: Positive signs seem to be emerging over a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) – a development that may change the course of politics in this western Indian state.</p><p>“Uddhav ji is very positive about it… as the people of Maharashtra want it, there is no harm in trying it,” Thackeray family confidante and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said. “The picture will be clear soon,” he added.</p><p>Raut’s statement coincides with Raj’s outburst in Pune, where he slammed the BJP for trying to finish off the Thackeray and Pawar brands in Maharashtra. However, he asserted that they would not succeed.</p>.Uddhav’s stand on alliance with Raj is ‘manase’ and ‘dil se’: Sanjay Raut.<p>“As far as the Thackeray brand is concerned, my grandfather Prabhodankar Thackeray had the first major impact on Maharashtra. After him, it was (my uncle) Balasaheb Thackeray, (followed by my father) Shrikant Thackeray, who made a mark in music. Later, both Uddhav and I made our impact (in arts and politics). There is no dispute that they are trying to finish off the brands of Pawar and Thackeray, but it won’t be finished,” Raj said.</p><p>For nearly two decades, Uddhav and Raj have expressed a desire to come together for the larger interest of Maharashtra; however, details still need to be worked out.</p><p>In fact, Raj’s statement reflects what Uddhav has been saying since the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the subsequent splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP.</p><p>While Uddhav now heads the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shiv Sena is led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a former Chief Minister and ex-Leader of the Opposition.</p><p>Similarly, Sharad Pawar now heads the NCP (SP), while his nephew Ajit Pawar is the NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister, who is also an ex-Leader of the Opposition.</p><p>In fact, Uddhav has repeatedly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.</p><p>On the other hand, Raj, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, had supported Modi, but in the Vidhan Sabha polls, he contested independently.</p><p>The results for both parties were the worst-ever performances, as Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while MNS failed to open its account.</p><p>The next big challenge for the cousins is the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.</p><p>Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed that the polls be conducted within four months.</p><p>Senior leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) are of the opinion that the alliance must be firmed up at least two to three months before going to the polls.</p>
<p>Mumbai: Positive signs seem to be emerging over a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) – a development that may change the course of politics in this western Indian state.</p><p>“Uddhav ji is very positive about it… as the people of Maharashtra want it, there is no harm in trying it,” Thackeray family confidante and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said. “The picture will be clear soon,” he added.</p><p>Raut’s statement coincides with Raj’s outburst in Pune, where he slammed the BJP for trying to finish off the Thackeray and Pawar brands in Maharashtra. However, he asserted that they would not succeed.</p>.Uddhav’s stand on alliance with Raj is ‘manase’ and ‘dil se’: Sanjay Raut.<p>“As far as the Thackeray brand is concerned, my grandfather Prabhodankar Thackeray had the first major impact on Maharashtra. After him, it was (my uncle) Balasaheb Thackeray, (followed by my father) Shrikant Thackeray, who made a mark in music. Later, both Uddhav and I made our impact (in arts and politics). There is no dispute that they are trying to finish off the brands of Pawar and Thackeray, but it won’t be finished,” Raj said.</p><p>For nearly two decades, Uddhav and Raj have expressed a desire to come together for the larger interest of Maharashtra; however, details still need to be worked out.</p><p>In fact, Raj’s statement reflects what Uddhav has been saying since the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the subsequent splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP.</p><p>While Uddhav now heads the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shiv Sena is led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a former Chief Minister and ex-Leader of the Opposition.</p><p>Similarly, Sharad Pawar now heads the NCP (SP), while his nephew Ajit Pawar is the NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister, who is also an ex-Leader of the Opposition.</p><p>In fact, Uddhav has repeatedly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.</p><p>On the other hand, Raj, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, had supported Modi, but in the Vidhan Sabha polls, he contested independently.</p><p>The results for both parties were the worst-ever performances, as Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while MNS failed to open its account.</p><p>The next big challenge for the cousins is the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.</p><p>Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed that the polls be conducted within four months.</p><p>Senior leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) are of the opinion that the alliance must be firmed up at least two to three months before going to the polls.</p>