Last month, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands, nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways.
Aaditya Thackeray. File Photo
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said his party responded to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's "call" for rapprochement and that seniors from that party should step up to take it forward, reported news agency PTI.
Talking to reporters, Aaditya Thackeray said his party welcomes whoever is opposed to the "anti-Maharashtra BJP".
"When they talked about it, we responded. Their seniors should come forward. We are there where we were (in the past). For the betterment of the country, Maharashtra and society, we welcome those with an open heart who are against the anti-Maharashtra BJP and (Eknath) Shinde," Thackeray said, reported PTI.
Last month, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands, nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways.
Uddhav Thackeray, however, had put a condition that Raj Thackeray should have no truck with the BJP or the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
While the MNS chief has said that uniting in the interests of "Marathi manoos" (Marathi-speaking people) is not difficult, former CM Uddhav Thackeray said he was ready to put aside trivial fights, provided that those working against Maharashtra's interests were not entertained, reported PTI.
Earlier this week, senior MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande had said that Raj Thackeray would consider an alliance with the Sena (UBT) only if a concrete proposal was put forward, noting their previous overtures for a tie-up were met with "betrayal", reported PTI.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande referred to party president Raj Thackeray's recent interview where he signalled openness to have discussions with the Shiv Sena (UBT), headed by his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray, for a political alliance.
"If the Shiv Sena (UBT) feels an alliance with the MNS is possible, they should come forward with a substantial proposal. Raj Thackeray will take a decision on it," he said, reported PTI.
Deshpande recalled past instances when the MNS had initiated tie-up talks, but faced what he called "betrayal".
"Be it in 2014 or 2017, we sent proposals but they betrayed us. If they want us now, they must send a proper proposal to Raj Thackeray. He will take an appropriate call," he asserted, reported PTI.
He insisted that Raj Thackeray, in his interview, had not explicitly endorsed a political alliance with the Uddhav-led outfit, a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
"Raj did not say an alliance must take place. He only said that if the Shiv Sena (UBT) is interested (for a tie-up), he will consider it," Deshpande opined, reported PTI.
More than a month has passed, but there has been no visible progress in the matter, with both sides putting the ball in each other's court.
Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 and floated his own party the next year. In the past, he has allied with the BJP, a bitter rival of the Shiv Sena (UBT).
(With inputs from PTI)
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