Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday pushed for a forward-looking approach, emphasizing that his party is focused on building the future rather than dwelling on past differences with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raut’s remarks came amid growing speculation over a possible political alliance between the two parties, which split nearly two decades ago.
“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 set aside previous rifts and consider the potential for collaboration.
His comments followed Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray’s recent admission that informal talks are underway with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, reviving hopes for a long-awaited political rapprochement. Adding to the momentum, the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana prominently featured a rare photograph of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray together on its front page, while posters calling for unity between the cousins appeared across Mumbai and Thane. The message on one Girgaon poster, in Marathi, urged the two leaders to unite for the cause of eight crore Marathi people and to protect the interests of the state.
MNS leaders, meanwhile, have noted that previous attempts to ally with Shiv Sena (UBT) in 2014, 2017, and during the Covid period were met with a cold response. However, Raut hinted that the current talks could be well advanced, stating, “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.”
Uddhav Thackeray, speaking at his residence Matoshree, asserted there is no confusion among either party’s workers, and expressed confidence that the will of Maharashtra’s people would prevail. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray is reportedly holding marathon meetings with his party leaders in Mumbai, further fueling speculation of an imminent alliance.