Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray ’very positive’ about Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, says Sanjay Raut (2025)

Sanjay Raut said that there is no need for anyone to be in the discussion between the two (Uddhav and Raj) and that he know the feelings they have towards each other and also the family

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that Uddhav Thackeray holds a "very positive" response about rapprochement with estranged cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, reported the PTI.

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While talking to reporters in Mumbai, Sanjay Raut stated after the rumors of reunion even individuals and parties linked with Ambedkarite movement have been in contact with him and have expressed interest to be a part of the new political alignment that is taking shape.

The Rajya Sabha MP recalled chief Constitution framer Babasaheb Ambedkar had also played a leading role in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement and had worked towards the unity of 'Marathi manoos' (Marathi-speaking people).

The movement which began in 1950s called for a separate state of Maharashtra consisting of Marathi-speaking population.

"There is no need for anyone to be in the discussion between the two (Uddhav and Raj). I know the feelings they have towards each other and also the family. Relations don't get severed because of politics. Uddhav Thackeray is very positive (on rapprochement with Raj). His stand is very positive for the betterment of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos," Sanjay Raut insisted, according to the ANI.

Cousins and political adversaries, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, have fueled speculation about the possibility of a reconciliation with statements suggesting that they might stay aside their long lasting differences over "trivial issues" in order to come together for the larger interest of native Marathi speakers, nearly two decades after a bitter split.

The buzz about the possible reconciliation of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS has got several reactions from political leaders in the state.

While the MNS chief Raj Thackeray has stated the coming together in the interest of Marathi manoos was not a difficult task, former CM Uddhav Thackeray expressed his willingness to put aside trivial fights, on condition that individuals or forces working against Maharashtra's interests are not give any interest or support.

Raj Thackeray walked out of the united Shiv Sena in the year 2005 and floated his own party the next year. In the past, the MNS president has opposed and also supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a former ally of Uddhav Thackeray, on different occasions

(With inputs from PTI)

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