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The political landscape of Maharashtra is witnessing a potential shift as Uddhav Thackeray, president of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have both publicly expressed a willingness to consider a rapprochement. This development, signaled by both leaders over the weekend, hints at a possible reunion of the two estranged Thackeray cousins, driven by what they perceive as the larger interests of the people of Maharashtra. The initial move came from Raj Thackeray, during a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, where he stated his readiness to set aside “minor disputes” between himself and Uddhav for the greater good of the state. He explicitly mentioned his willingness to work with Uddhav, contingent on Uddhav's reciprocal readiness. Uddhav Thackeray, responding later that day while addressing members of the Sena (UBT)’s trade union, echoed a similar sentiment, stating his openness to putting aside their differences for the sake of the Marathi language and the people of Maharashtra. However, he subtly cautioned Raj against aligning with those he deemed “anti-Maharashtra.” This conditional willingness underscores the complex dynamics at play and the potential hurdles that lie ahead in any attempt at reconciliation.
Sanjay Raut, the spokesperson for Sena (UBT), further elaborated on the situation, emphasizing the inherent bond between the two Thackerays and suggesting that any existing disputes could be resolved quickly. He reiterated Uddhav's concern about Raj associating with individuals or groups perceived as being against the interests of Maharashtra, urging Raj to adopt a firm stance against such elements. Raut also alluded to the BJP's alleged agenda of diminishing the Thackerays' political influence, suggesting that a unified front between the two cousins would be welcomed by the people of Maharashtra. He framed the potential alliance as a positive development and indicated that they were awaiting Raj's response to Uddhav's expressed intentions. The timing of these reconciliatory remarks is significant, coinciding with the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, a crucial electoral battleground for both parties. Furthermore, the recent introduction of Hindi as a mandatory third language for students in Maharashtra, a move opposed by the Sena (UBT), MNS, and Congress, appears to be a catalyst for unity, as it presents a common cause around which the two parties can rally.
The relationship between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has been fraught with tension and rivalry since Raj's departure from Shiv Sena in 2006, which led to the formation of the MNS. The split stemmed from a combination of personal ambitions, leadership aspirations, and internal power struggles within the undivided Shiv Sena during the early 2000s. Since then, the two cousins have frequently engaged in public sparring, employing political rhetoric to undermine each other's credibility. Raj has often criticized Uddhav for allegedly diluting the Sena's original principles, while Uddhav has portrayed the MNS as a splinter group lacking a clear political vision. During elections, both parties compete for similar voter bases, particularly among Marathi-speaking populations, leading to direct confrontations and efforts to sway each other's supporters. Despite the animosity, there have been instances in the past where even a casual meeting between the two cousins has triggered speculation about a potential alliance.
A notable attempt at reconciliation occurred in 2014, following the BJP's break from its alliance with Shiv Sena prior to the Assembly elections. Reportedly, Raj and Uddhav engaged in phone conversations regarding a possible collaboration. However, Raj later expressed disappointment, claiming that Uddhav's initial enthusiasm waned, and he attributed this hesitation to Uddhav's reluctance to treat Raj as an equal and his unwillingness to grant him political legitimacy on a larger stage. This previous attempt highlights the deep-seated issues of ego and political positioning that have historically hindered any prospects of a lasting alliance. Adding to the complexity is Uddhav's skepticism regarding Raj's fluctuating stance on the BJP. Raj's relationship with the BJP has varied, ranging from periods of alignment to occasional criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uddhav's wariness stems from the potential for Raj's association with the BJP to undermine any newfound alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.
The current political climate in Maharashtra, characterized by the fragmentation of the Shiv Sena and the emergence of the Eknath Shinde-led faction claiming to be the true inheritors of Bal Thackeray's legacy, further complicates the situation. Within the Sena (UBT), there are concerns that a collaboration with Raj could potentially dilute Uddhav's voter base, a critical factor in the current highly competitive electoral environment. The Shinde faction presents a direct challenge to Uddhav's claim to his father's political inheritance. An alliance with Raj could be perceived by some voters as a sign of weakness or desperation on Uddhav's part. It might also create confusion among traditional Shiv Sena supporters, who may question the party's direction and allegiance. Moreover, any potential alliance would need to address the issue of leadership and power-sharing. Both Uddhav and Raj have strong personalities and distinct political identities. Determining who would take the lead and how decisions would be made would be a significant challenge. Overlapping voter bases could also lead to internal conflicts and competition for resources. Therefore, while the recent signals of a possible thaw between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray offer a glimmer of hope for a united front in Maharashtra politics, the path to reconciliation is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The success of any potential alliance will depend on the willingness of both leaders to overcome their past differences, address their individual concerns, and prioritize the larger interests of the people of Maharashtra.
Source: Flagging ‘Maharashtra interest’, Uddhav, Raj signal thaw as questions hover over reunion