According to political analysts, cousins Raj and Uddhav might be exploring ways to collaborate, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), where both MNS and Sena (UBT) command influence among Marathi voters
Devendra Fadnavis (L), Raj Thackeray (R). File Photo
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the BJP has consistently maintained communication with Raj Thackeray, amid talks of a potential alliance between his MNS and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), reported PTI.
"We have spoken to Raj Thackeray before the Lok Sabha elections, before the Assembly elections, and we will speak to him before the corporation elections as well. But I cannot tell you now what the outcome of those talks will be," Fadnavis said at a media event hosted by a Marathi news channel, reported PTI.
Fadnavis described Raj Thackeray as a political entity with unique autonomy.
"As you know, Raj is like an open university. He has his own statute. Who will or will not get a degree from such an open university cannot be predicted," he said, reported PTI.
He said such "open statutes" allow for flexibility.
"Those with an open statute can have their own laws and can decide whether to go with anyone. There is hardly any difference between the BJP and the MNS," Fadnavis said, signalling ideological convergence while avoiding a definitive statement on partnership, reported PTI.
About the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections in the state, he emphasised the grassroots nature of civic contests. "Corporation elections are always about the party workers. So every party feels it should contest more seats," he said.
Fadnavis said, "Today, I cannot tell whether there will be an alliance or not. And there are three of us in the Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP)," reported PTI.
According to political analysts, cousins Raj and Uddhav might be exploring ways to collaborate, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), where both MNS and Sena (UBT) command influence among Marathi voters, reported PTI.
After the assembly polls, which saw the rout of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP), the civic body elections, including in the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are expected to be another high-stakes contest.
Earlier, Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a potential political rapprochement with his cousin and Uddhav Thackeray, noting their past differences are 'trivial' and uniting for the greater good of 'Marathi manoos' is not a difficult task.
To this, Uddhav Thackeray had said that he is ready to put aside trivial fights provided those working against Maharashtra's interests will not be entertained.
(With inputs from PTI)
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