Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray Clarifies Stance on Alliance with MNS Chief Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, 27th July 2023: The political landscape in the Maharashtra state has undergone significant changes, with former adversaries BJP-Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) forming an alliance to come to power following the split between Shiv Sena and NCP.

Amidst this backdrop, there have been ongoing speculations about the possibility of an alliance between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (Thackeray group) party chief Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray addressed these rumors during a podcast ‘Avaaz Kunacha,’ hosted by Sanjay Raut, MP, and executive editor of Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana.

Uddhav Thackeray asserted, “If there were any basis for the discussion of Raj Thackeray and me coming together, the media discussions wouldn’t have ceased. Talks were held, but they eventually came to an end. Those attempting to discuss it didn’t receive adequate support, leading to the end of the discussions.”

When questioned about the possibility of such a proposal in the future, Uddhav Thackeray firmly stated, “I don’t dwell on whether offers come or go. Whether they come or go, I don’t entertain thoughts about it. My focus is on the present moment. Currently, there is no such discussion, and therefore, there’s no need to discuss it.”

Addressing the topic of a mass exodus of people from Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray responded with a taunt, saying, “The so-called ‘big men’ may have left, but those who nurtured them remain with me.”

Uddhav Thackeray faced a legal battle after the split with Shiv Sena. When questioned about Sharad Pawar’s decision to pursue a different path, Uddhav Thackeray commented, “Everyone chooses their own path. I follow the legacy of the Shiv Sena chief, and I am accountable for the decisions I make. Sharad Pawar’s ideology is distinct, and if he chooses a different course, it is his prerogative.”