Uddhav Thackeray offers hope of an improved electoral prospect by extending olive branch

MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackeray on Monday offered his beleaguered party hope of an improved electoral prospect by extending an olive branch to estranged cousin and leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj Thackeray.

In a lengthy interview to Saamna, the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece , party president Uddhav Thackeray said that the Sena could provide an alternative to Congress and run a stable government , like Narendra Modi in Gujarat, provided that there is balance between Marathi pride and Hindutva. He said that those who fight for Marathi pride (Raj Thackeray) must unite with Shiv Sena.

“If those who have left Shiv Sena want to return, we will welcome them,” Uddhav said. “Narendra Modi stands for Hindutva as well as Gujarati pride… why can’t we unite and do the same?” he asked.

Uddhav said that he believed that the Sena and MNS can jointly work together representing the twin ideologies of Marathi pride and Hindutva. Though Raj refused to comment on the offer, people inside MNS said he might speak on it during his upcoming tour of six districts of Maharashtra. “This has to be decided by both sides,” Uddhav said when asked if the cousins can come together .

“The question should be asked to both. Congress and NCP returned to power in 2009 only because of a split in our party. We have to ensure the same thing does not happen in the next elections.”

Shiv Sena rivals were quick to pounce on his comments “These are indications of Uddhav going through a bad phase. He is facing many problems, personal and political. He is trying his best to survive,” NCP leader and state PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal said.

“Uddhav’s statement only shows his frustration with the current political situation,” said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant. “His party is not able to get the support of people of Maharashtra and he has no other option but to depend on his cousin and others to survive.”

Shiv Sena, faced with defections and a host of challenges, is keen to see it as a new beginning . “Uddhav has taken control of the Sena and his interview shows that he is willing to shed the past and look at the future with new hope.”