Mumbai:
Maharashtra stares at a milestone moment in his politics with the buzz of a possible reunion of the alienated Thakeray, after two decades. Raj Tackeray, who had left Shiv Sena in 2005 to start his own party, and former minister -President Uddhav Thakeray has both hinted to reunite in the midst of concern about alleged threats for marathi culture and identity.
Although the BJP and the congress said that they would welcome such a reunion, a patch-up could mean that the Thakkerays a joint fight against the BJP in the upcoming Civic Body elections in Mumbai. The congress and NCP know this and are optimistic.
The reunion buzzes
The cousins of Thakkeray have transferred a strong message to the voters of Maharashtra – that the interests of the state and marathi culture are above political rivalry. During individual events, she hinted that it was favorable for the state when they came together again.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chef Raj Tackeray said that the differences between them are “small” and influence the marathi people.
“The disputes and fights between UDDHAV and I are small – Maharashtra is much larger than all that. These differences prove to be expensive for the existence of Maharashtra and the Marathi people. Coming together is not difficult.
His reunion with UDDHAV Thakkeray would mean a deviation from his unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the National Elections of 2024.
UDDHAV Thakkeray, who leads the Shiv Sena (UBT) after the 2022 split, had a condition for reuniting with his cousin.
“I am ready to put small disputes aside, but there is a condition. We cannot change side where we support them one day, resist them the next day and then compromise again. Everyone who deals with the interests of Maharashtra – I will not welcome them, invite them houses, or sit with them,” he said.
From the UDDHAV Thakkeray camp, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut hinted that both leaders were ready to put their problems aside and reconcile. However, he repeated the condition that the chef of his party was recorded: Raj Thakkeray may not give room to the “enemies” of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT).
A reunion of the cousins of Thakkeray would reform the politics of Maharashtra, which alliances has appeared in recent years. Elections on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, awaiting three years, could be held in October, and if the cousins reunite, reunite their fight against the BJP-conducted NDA will test their joint work skills and free up the road for future tie-ups.
How politicians responded
Minister -President Devendra Fadnavis suggested that the BJP would be happy if the cousins of Thakkeray are reuniting. Yet he claimed that they could not beat the NDA in the upcoming BMC elections. “We will be happy when they come together. Alienated people have to reunite. It is a good thing if their disputes end up. I feel that the media read too much between the lines,” the prime minister said.
If BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule was stated that his party would not object to such a reunion. “It is Raj Tackeray's privilege whether he should bundle his hand with UDDHAV Thackeray or not. He can decide the future of his party. BJP has no objection to it,” he said.
The congress, an ally of the Sena of Uddhav Thakeray, also had no objection. State congregation Harshwardhan Sapkal said that Raj Tackeray seems to endorse that the BJP is trying to undermine the language and culture of Maharashtra.
Vice-minister President Eknath Shinde, whose visit to the Raj Tackeray's house led the buzz of a possible Tie for the BMC elections last week, there must still be comments on it.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, however, has questioned his opportunity and claims that UDDHAV Thakeray had threatened to leave the house if Raj Tackeray was given some responsibility. “Uddhav opposed the visit of Raj Tackeray on his branches in Mumbai. He distinguished himself between the supporters of Raj Thakeray. He should answer why he was against Raj Tackeray,” Mr. Mhaske told reporters.
Another Sena parliament member, Sanjay Nirupam, said that “two zeros” always make a zero, which suggests that a reunion would not help them electorally. “First, Uddhav went with the congress and trusted Muslim votes. But when he realized that there was nothing to work, he started to lean to Raj Thapkeray. This is not in the interest of Maharashtra, but personal interests. Both can never be a challenge for Mahauti,” he added.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule, daughter of the experienced politician Sharad Pawar, said that such a reunion should be “warmly welcomed”. She called it “happy news”, she said that Bal Tackeray would have been very happy if he was alive today.
