<p>Mumbai: The third generation of the Thackeray family seems to be on the same page regarding a possible alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena spearheaded by Raj Thackeray in the run-up to the crucial local bodies polls which is a do-or-die political battle for the cousins. </p><p>Both sides are of the opinion that Uddhav and Raj would speak to each other and take a call on rapprochement and there is no question of any mediation by any third party.</p><p>In the mid of April 2025, Raj and Uddhav spoke about the desire to come together in the larger interests of Maharashtra and Marathi 'manoos'. </p> .<p>The statements by Uddhav’s son and Worli MLA Aaditya and Raj’s son Amit have now brightened the scope of an alliance. </p><p>It is for the first time that on Thursday Amit has spoken on the issue. “They are brothers. They have each other’s phone numbers…they can speak to each other. I have no issue with them coming together. I have seen in 2014, 2017…When Mumbai was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Raj Saheb made the first call to Uddhav Ji. They can speak to each other, there is no point discussing in the media,” he said.</p> .<p>During media interactions over a couple of days, Aaditya said: “We have made our stand clear. We are ready to work together with anyone ready to come forward to fight for protecting the interests of Maharashtra.”</p><p>During a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj 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.”</p> .<p>Addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, Uddhav responded: “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>Meanwhile, MNS leader Prakash Mahajan, the brother of late BJP stalwart Pramod Mahajan, said if the Shiv Sena (UBT) is serious about an alliance between the two parties, then its leader Aaditya should take the lead and meet Raj. "If an alliance has to happen, then Aaditya should take the lead and understand the views of Raj Saheb. Both sides will understand the seriousness if Aaditya Thackeray goes (for talks). There is a common feeling among Marathi people to come together," he said.</p>
<p>Mumbai: The third generation of the Thackeray family seems to be on the same page regarding a possible alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena spearheaded by Raj Thackeray in the run-up to the crucial local bodies polls which is a do-or-die political battle for the cousins. </p><p>Both sides are of the opinion that Uddhav and Raj would speak to each other and take a call on rapprochement and there is no question of any mediation by any third party.</p><p>In the mid of April 2025, Raj and Uddhav spoke about the desire to come together in the larger interests of Maharashtra and Marathi 'manoos'. </p> .<p>The statements by Uddhav’s son and Worli MLA Aaditya and Raj’s son Amit have now brightened the scope of an alliance. </p><p>It is for the first time that on Thursday Amit has spoken on the issue. “They are brothers. They have each other’s phone numbers…they can speak to each other. I have no issue with them coming together. I have seen in 2014, 2017…When Mumbai was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Raj Saheb made the first call to Uddhav Ji. They can speak to each other, there is no point discussing in the media,” he said.</p> .<p>During media interactions over a couple of days, Aaditya said: “We have made our stand clear. We are ready to work together with anyone ready to come forward to fight for protecting the interests of Maharashtra.”</p><p>During a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj 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.”</p> .<p>Addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, Uddhav responded: “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>Meanwhile, MNS leader Prakash Mahajan, the brother of late BJP stalwart Pramod Mahajan, said if the Shiv Sena (UBT) is serious about an alliance between the two parties, then its leader Aaditya should take the lead and meet Raj. "If an alliance has to happen, then Aaditya should take the lead and understand the views of Raj Saheb. Both sides will understand the seriousness if Aaditya Thackeray goes (for talks). There is a common feeling among Marathi people to come together," he said.</p>