Will 'Thackeray' Family Unite After Two Decades? Here's What Raj And Uddhav Say
Maharashtra Politics: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have expressed their willingness to unite again for Maharashtra's interests.
Thackeray family news: Raj Thackeray, in a podcast with film director Mahesh Manjrekar, made a statement that has the potential to turn Maharashtra politics on its head. Speaking at the podcast, Raj Thackeray said he is not averse to the idea of uniting with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav, in turn, reciprocated, saying there was never any dispute from his end.
"I may have political differences with Uddhav, but if it is for the interest of Maharashtra, we have to be united," he said.
He said the Thackeray family feud was inconsequential in front of Maharashtra's interests. "Our fights are nothing in front of Maharashtra's interest. Maharashtra is bigger than us," he said. He said these fights and disputes are costing Maharashtra and the Marathi people.
"I don't think there should be any problem in joining hands. The question is of the inclination towards the move. It is not a matter of what only I want; it is not even a matter of my selfishness. I think it is important to look at the bigger picture," he said.
"What I mean is that Marathi people of all political parties of Maharashtra should come together and form a party,' he said.
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What Did Uddhav Thackeray Say?
Reacting to this, Uddhav Thackeray said he never thought of fighting with Raj Thackeray. "There was no fight from my end; whatever was there, we have forgotten it. But will you go with BJP? Or will you work in the interest of the state?"
Will you come with the Shiv Sena and me? Not with Shinde... not with traitors... Do it unconditionally. This should also be the interest of Maharashtra... Later, you cannot waste time by saying 'don't do this, don't do that'," he said.
Uddhav further said he was ready to ignore small fights. But had you acceded when I told you to unite for the Lok Sabha elections, today we would have been in the government," he said.
What Happened Between Raj Thackeray And Uddhav Thackeray?
Raj Thackeray's exit from Shiv Sena in 2005 sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political arena. Once seen as the natural heir to Bal Thackeray's legacy, Raj's departure wasn't just political; it was personal as well. Tensions brewed quietly for years, but the tipping point came when Uddhav Thackeray was favoured over Raj in the party's internal power structure.
Feeling sidelined, Raj walked away from the party his uncle had built, citing growing differences over leadership style and vision. In March 2006, he launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), carving out a path of his own.
Since then, Raj has been at loggerheads with Uddhav. He has, however, been in a love-hate relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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