The question reverberating in Maharashtra's political circles is whether the Thackeray brothers will set aside their past disagreements and join hands. Raj Thackeray's recent statement on Marathi identity and state interests has fueled this speculation.
In actor Mahesh Manjrekar's podcast, Raj Thackeray stated, 'When significant issues arise, personal disputes seem trivial. For the existence of Maharashtra and the Marathi people, our differences are negligible. Coming together isn't difficult—it just requires willingness, and it's not merely about my desires or interests. Attention is needed on larger issues.'
Uddhav Thackeray Responds
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray responded, 'I too call upon all Marathi people to unite for the benefit of Marathis but with one condition. When I said during the Lok Sabha that industries are being moved from Maharashtra to Gujarat, had there been opposition, the current central government wouldn't exist, and the state would have a government considering Maharashtra's interests.'
Uddhav added, 'You supported them then, oppose now, then compromise—it doesn't work like that. I won't entertain those who act against Maharashtra’s interests. Prioritize Maharashtra's welfare first.'
Eknath Shinde Meets Raj Thackeray
It's noteworthy that Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's President Raj Thackeray at his residence in Dadar on Tuesday. This marks Shinde's first visit to Thackeray's residence 'Shiv Tirth' since the last state assembly elections. Shiv Sena Chief, along with the party's leader and Industry Minister in the Grand Alliance government, Uday Samant, was present. Sources indicated that Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray and Mumbai MNS President Sandeep Deshpande were also there during Shinde's visit.
Municipal Elections Scheduled for Mumbai This Year
A Shiv Sena official mentioned that Raj Thackeray had invited Eknath Shinde for dinner. This meeting holds significance as the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections are expected this year, delayed for three years. For the last two months, the MNS has been trying to reignite its movement regarding the Marathi language, demanding that the Marathi language be used everywhere in the state.
