Uddhav Thackeray calls Raj Thackeray, duo sets up hotline for Sena-MNS talks

MUMBAI: A day after Maharashtra's two major political alliances came apart, the political firmament was rocked by talk of the estranged Thackeray cousins cosying up to each other. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray reportedly called up MNS boss Raj Thackeray on Wednesday to inquire after his health. The two have since appointed representatives for their parties to "talk to each other".

Sources said the Sena may want MNS as an ally in key civic bodies like Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli if BJP pulls out from these bodies.

The development came as just-separated alliance partners attacked each other, indicating a bitter five-cornered fight for the October 15 polls.

Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna hit out at BJP, saying those who terminated the alliance were "enemies of Maharashtra". It described them as "crows of pitru paksha".

BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the comments were "uncalled for" and said Matoshree could not have expected BJP to "betray" smaller partners in the 'maha yuti'.

BJP, which won over 3 of the 4 junior partners and said PM Narendra Modi will address 14 rallies in the state, ruled out a post-poll tie-up with NCP. While Congress accused NCP of hobnobbing with BJP and said it would have no truck with any party that had "anything to do with BJP," NCP decided to target CM Prithviraj Chavan in Karad, offering a party ticket to sitting Congress MLA Vilas Patil Undalkar.

Congress on Friday formalized an alliance with Samajwadi Party, giving it eight seats.