Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Saturday that his party is focused on building the future, not dwelling on past differences, amid growing speculation of a possible alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
“Those who wish to take positive steps do not look back. We look to the future. How long are you going to dwell on the past?” Raut told reporters in Mumbai, urging MNS leaders to forget rifts in the past and look at the future of the two parties.
The MP’s comments come on the heels of Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray’s recent admission that informal talks are underway with the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, a statement that has revived hopes of a political rapprochement nearly two decades after they split.
Meanwhile, the Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece Saamana on Saturday carried photographs of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray together on its front page—an image not seen in party media for years.
This came even as posters featuring the two leaders together, calling for unity, were spotted in parts of Mumbai and Thane. Party workers from both sides are reportedly behind the campaign, urging the cousins to “unite for the Marathi cause.”
One of the posters put up at Girgaon has a message, in Marathi, stating that the two brothers must come together for the cause of eight crore Marathi people, and the people of Girgaon are eagerly waiting for their reconciliation. “Please come together and save Marathi manoos before the outsiders’ plan to capture Maharashtra succeeds,” it reads.
Raut’s statement came after MNS leaders said on Friday that the Sena (UBT) should send a proposal to their party president and pointed out that they were met with a cold response when they attempted to form an alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena in 2014 and 2017 and during the Covid period.
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“Maybe the leaders have already spoken on phone calls, who knows? Once the process is completed, you will see the fruits. There is positivity among workers of both parties,” Raut had said on Friday, hinting that the talks could be well advanced.
Earlier, Uddhav had told reporters at his residence, Matoshree, “There is no confusion in my mind or that of my Shiv Sainiks. Even MNS workers are in touch with us, and there is no confusion in their minds either.” He added, “…what is in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra—that will happen.”
Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray has reportedly been holding marathon meetings with party office-bearers and leaders in Mumbai amid the possible alliance with Sena (UBT).
