In a significant political gesture, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief
Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray have expressed openness
to working together for the interest of Maharashtra and the
Marathi-speaking population, setting aside their long-standing differences.
During a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj
Thackeray said he was willing to join hands with his estranged cousin, stating,
“The interest of Maharashtra is paramount. Everything else is secondary.”
He added that minor disputes could be set aside if Uddhav is also willing to
cooperate.
Responding at a Bhartiya Kamgar Sena function, Uddhav
Thackeray echoed a similar sentiment but placed a condition: “He (Raj)
should not support those who are anti-Maharashtra. If that’s clear, I’m ready
to work together for the cause of Marathi and Maharashtra.”
The potential rapprochement comes at a time when the
political landscape in the state is rapidly evolving ahead of key elections.
Both leaders stressed that Marathi identity and state interests should
take precedence over personal or political rivalries.