Estranged Thackeray cousins flaunt olive branches

Mumbai: Maharashtra politics suddenly went into a tizzy as the alienated Thackeray cousins waved olive branches at each other, signaling readiness to hug, kiss and thaw off their chilled relations by puffing away the pipe of peace after exactly 20 years.

Though the cousins – on the warpath since 2005 – have indicated they are not averse to joining hands, there have been murmurs of disapproval from some quarters.

As the issue turned serious, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut, MP, hurriedly spoke with the media today where he addressed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray as ‘Raj-Saheb’.

“Both are Thackerays and both are (cousin) brothers. That relation is permanent. They may have had some political differences, so they went on independent paths… We are looking at it from a positive perspective. But, we shall adopt a wait-and-watch attitude,” said Raut, carefully choosing his words.

He pointed out how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to erase the ‘Thackeray name’ from Maharashtra politics, so the people of the state will welcome if the cousins patch up as they work for the interests of the state.

The SS (UBT) leader said his party would welcome those who feel that the “enemies of Maharashtra are our common enemies”, but cautioned that if their words and deeds are different, “we shall not give them a chance.”

Referring to the past few decades, Raut said that the (undivided) Shiv Sena had a 25-year long alliance with BJP which Raj had witnessed from close quarters, and in the recent years, “they merely used him for their politics”.

However, when attempts were made to break up his party, Uddhav decided to step aside and decided not to ally with those who benefitted the ‘enemies of the state’ – ostensibly taking a swipe at Shiv Sena led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Uddhav has said repeatedly that there are ‘some powers’ which want to derail the state, and the SS (UBT) will never support such elements at any cost, as the party quickly posted a photo of Uddhav-Raj shaking hands on its official X handle.

“The (undivided) SS was founded by the late Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeray for the Maharashtrians… We belong to that same ideology and we are keeping an open mind now…” declared Raut.

He said that the differences (with BJP) started when it “gave shelter to the enemy of Balasaheb Thackeray”, but now if the two Thackeray cousins come together then it will be as per public sentiments.

Raj-Speak

In a much-debated interview with MNS President Raj Thackeray, 56, Marathi film director Mahesh Manjrekar posed a pointed question whether the warring cousins would ever come together.

Responding cautiously but positively, Raj said that the cousins may have their bitterness on issues, “but they proved dear for the people of the state and their existence”.

“I do not feel that coming together or remaining together is so very difficult… The question is of desire… not my willingness alone or for my selfish purposes… We must look at the larger picture. I feel that the Marathi people from all parties must unite and form a single political party,” said Raj.

Later he even expressed willingness to accept whatever conditions his cousin may impose, though some in the MNS seemed to be skeptical of the unfolding developments.

Uddhav-Speak

Ex-Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, 64, apparently softened his stance at cousin Raj and voiced readiness to lay down arms.

“There were no differences between us… But still I am prepared to put aside minor squabbles in the overall interests of the people of the state,” declared Uddhav at a Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (BKS) event today (Saturday, April 19).

Referring to Raj’s ding-dong politics vis-à-vis the BJP in the past nearly two decades, Uddhav laid down one condition that the (proposed) alliance may not work if they (MNS) “first support, then oppose, later compromise” with divisive forces.

“I shall have nothing to do with such people, neither meet nor greet them, or visit them ever… The stand should be clear - whether to come with me, or go with BJP or ‘gaddar-sena’ (Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde). First, take a vow in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and then I am ready to clap back,” declared Uddhav, amid cheers and applause.

He reiterated that he was inclined to bury the hatchet over petty issues for the benefit of the Marathi people - significantly ahead of the upcoming civic elections in the state.

Thackerays’ ‘mama’ thrilled

As the feuding Thackeray cousins - Uddhav and Raj - dropped broad hints of becoming cosy, their maternal uncle Chandrakant Vaidya, known as Chandumama,  expressed joy over the turn of events, saying “it’s the wish of the people of Maharashtra”.

Vaidya remarked that the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray would have been very happy on hearing this.

“I am really very happy and satisfied as their uncle, but I cannot comment on their political issues,” said Vaidya who had made several efforts for a rapprochement in the past.

He said the blessings of God and the ‘Marathi manoos’ are with the Thackeray cousins and it would lead to good things in future.