<p>Mumbai: As an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) looms on the horizon, Uddhav Thackeray has clearly stated that “whatever the people of Maharashtra wish, will happen” - an indication of a possible rapprochement with estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. </p><p>Besides, Uddhav’s Man Friday Sanjay Raut, who enjoys very good personal relations with Raj has indicated that the ball is rolling. </p> .<p>Meanwhile, the BJP remained unfazed with the developments that would have a bearing on Maharashtra politics. </p><p>"Whatever people of Maharashtra wish, will happen…there is no confusion in our and our Shiv Sainiks’ hearts. There is no confusion in their (MNS) mind either. We will not give any message, we will give the news directly,” Uddhav, who is a senior Maja Vikas Aghadi-INDIA opposition bloc leader, told reporters to specific query on a possible alliance with Raj. </p> .<p>This is for the second time, Uddhav, a former chief minister, responded to Raj’s feelings which he made during a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. </p><p>The estranged Thackeray cousins had said that they are ready to sink personal differences and work in the larger interests of Maharashtra and welfare of Marathi-manoos. </p><p>Uddhav’s statement comes hours after Uddhav’s son and MLA Aaditya and Raj’s son Amit said that they have no issues, however, the final call would have to be taken by their respective fathers.</p> .<p>“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 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,” Amit said. </p><p>“We have made our stand clear. We are ready to work together with anyone who is ready to come forward to fight for protecting the interests of Maharashtra,” Aaditya said. </p><p>Earlier in the morning, Raut, who is a journalist-politician, said he was very happy. </p> .<p>“I have seen Amit since his birth. Amit is a sweet boy….just like our Aaditya…his statements are also very sweet. In my mind I feel the same way about him as his uncle,” said Raut, adding that he would be visiting Raj’s home. </p><p>Asked further about the process and the deadline for outcome, he said: “Just be interested in the fruit…after all it is all about fruitful talks…for a sapling to grow, turn into a tree, give fruits, it takes some time.” </p><p>Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was in Gadchiroli, said: “How can I comment on someone else’s statements…they have to decide.” </p><p>On the other hand, NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said that it was a welcome development. “It is a good development…it is always good if people come together in the interests of Maharashtra,” she said, in what was an indication of Raj finding a space in the MVA.</p> .<p>On being asked, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar said: “Why should I talk…it is the engine and mashaal who had to decide” - a reference to the election symbol of MNS and UBT Sena. </p><p>No proposal of NCP (SP), NCP merger: Tatkare</p><p>A day after NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule said that there is no proposal for merger with NCP, Raigad MP and NCP’s state unit President Sunil Tatkare also said that there is no such proposal. “There is no proposal…lets not get into hypothetical things,” he said. Asked about the regular meetings between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, he said: “They meet for work.” It may be mentioned that Sanjay Raut has claimed that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are opposing the merger plan.</p>
<p>Mumbai: As an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) looms on the horizon, Uddhav Thackeray has clearly stated that “whatever the people of Maharashtra wish, will happen” - an indication of a possible rapprochement with estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. </p><p>Besides, Uddhav’s Man Friday Sanjay Raut, who enjoys very good personal relations with Raj has indicated that the ball is rolling. </p> .<p>Meanwhile, the BJP remained unfazed with the developments that would have a bearing on Maharashtra politics. </p><p>"Whatever people of Maharashtra wish, will happen…there is no confusion in our and our Shiv Sainiks’ hearts. There is no confusion in their (MNS) mind either. We will not give any message, we will give the news directly,” Uddhav, who is a senior Maja Vikas Aghadi-INDIA opposition bloc leader, told reporters to specific query on a possible alliance with Raj. </p> .<p>This is for the second time, Uddhav, a former chief minister, responded to Raj’s feelings which he made during a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. </p><p>The estranged Thackeray cousins had said that they are ready to sink personal differences and work in the larger interests of Maharashtra and welfare of Marathi-manoos. </p><p>Uddhav’s statement comes hours after Uddhav’s son and MLA Aaditya and Raj’s son Amit said that they have no issues, however, the final call would have to be taken by their respective fathers.</p> .<p>“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 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,” Amit said. </p><p>“We have made our stand clear. We are ready to work together with anyone who is ready to come forward to fight for protecting the interests of Maharashtra,” Aaditya said. </p><p>Earlier in the morning, Raut, who is a journalist-politician, said he was very happy. </p> .<p>“I have seen Amit since his birth. Amit is a sweet boy….just like our Aaditya…his statements are also very sweet. In my mind I feel the same way about him as his uncle,” said Raut, adding that he would be visiting Raj’s home. </p><p>Asked further about the process and the deadline for outcome, he said: “Just be interested in the fruit…after all it is all about fruitful talks…for a sapling to grow, turn into a tree, give fruits, it takes some time.” </p><p>Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was in Gadchiroli, said: “How can I comment on someone else’s statements…they have to decide.” </p><p>On the other hand, NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said that it was a welcome development. “It is a good development…it is always good if people come together in the interests of Maharashtra,” she said, in what was an indication of Raj finding a space in the MVA.</p> .<p>On being asked, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar said: “Why should I talk…it is the engine and mashaal who had to decide” - a reference to the election symbol of MNS and UBT Sena. </p><p>No proposal of NCP (SP), NCP merger: Tatkare</p><p>A day after NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule said that there is no proposal for merger with NCP, Raigad MP and NCP’s state unit President Sunil Tatkare also said that there is no such proposal. “There is no proposal…lets not get into hypothetical things,” he said. Asked about the regular meetings between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, he said: “They meet for work.” It may be mentioned that Sanjay Raut has claimed that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are opposing the merger plan.</p>