21 May,2025 10:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anil Parab said that Shiv Sena (UBT) never slammed the door on discussions, stressing that the people of Maharashtra want the Thackeray brothers to come together. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday said that it was "positive" about holding talks with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, reported the PTI.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Anil Parab said that Raj Thackeray will have to decide "in Maharashtra's interest" whether he wants to join hands with Uddhav.
"Uddhav Thackeray has already clarified that he was ready to come together by setting aside all disputes. Now, Raj Thackeray has to decide whether he wants to join us. He should decide in the interest of Maharashtra, we are positive about talks," Anil Parab told reporters, according to the PTI.
He said that Shiv Sena (UBT) never slammed the door on discussions, stressing that the people of Maharashtra want the Thackeray brothers to come together.
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"If the two senior leaders meet, they will discuss and take a final decision. Whatever decision the leadership of both Senas takes, we will proceed accordingly," Anil Parab said, adding that as elections draw closer, both leaders will take a call, as per the PTI.
"I am a junior leader. It is up to them," he added.
The two estranged cousins sparked a reconciliation buzz late April with statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands, nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways.
The talks didn't proceed further, apparently owing to opposition by second-rung leaders of MNS.
Anil Parab, meanwhile, targeted the BJP over senior Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal's induction in the state cabinet.
"The BJP has abandoned its own positions. This government has a brute majority, but BJP workers are unhappy. They worked hard for power, but are not benefiting. The government is now focused on internal politics. Their time is being spent on guardian ministers' posts and political calculations," he alleged, the PTI reported.
On the local bodies elections, which will be held as per the OBC quota following the Supreme Court's order, Parab said elections to Zilla Parishads and Nagar Panchayats should be held within four months.
"In the Mumbai civic polls, there is no issue of reservation. The only question is whether the number of seats will be 227 or 236. There is no stay on this. Elections can be held even tomorrow," Anil Parab said, questioning the delay in announcing the elections, the news agency reported on Wednesday.
Parab suggested that the BJP-led government was managing the affairs of the Mumbai civic body as per its whims through the state-appointed administrator.
Anil Parab also criticised state minister and BJP MLA Ashish Shelar, questioning his recent remarks on Shiv Sena (UBT)'s winnability prospects in BMC elections.
"Is he an astrologer? Whether 50 of our corporators come or more, the public will decide. Are you going to become Mumbai's only sevak now? All sevaks are elected representatives. Did you want to become the owner?" he asked, according to the PTI.
Parab further said corporators from Ashish Shelar's own constituency may not get elected.
(with PTI inputs)
