Public Wants Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to Unite for Marathi Cause, Says Sanjay Raut

By A Staff Reporter

Mumbai: Amid growing political speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday clarified that no formal alliance has been made between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for upcoming local body elections. However, he acknowledged a rising public demand for unity between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in the interest of protecting the rights of the 'Marathi Maanus' (Marathi-speaking people).

“I have not said that Shiv Sena and MNS are contesting elections together,” Raut stated. “What I said is that there is pressure and demand from the public on Shiv Sena and MNS to contest local body elections together.”

He added that many in Maharashtra feel the need for the two Thackerays to join forces to safeguard Marathi identity and regional interests. “People think that if the rights of 'Marathi Maanus' are to be protected, then Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray must come together,” Raut said.

While emphasizing the ideological and stylistic differences between the two leaders, Raut acknowledged Raj Thackeray's individual political approach: “Raj Thackeray has a different style of working.”