In a fiery column in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana, MP Sanjay Raut emphasized the urgent need for an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raut claimed this partnership is essential to give Maharashtra a "new direction" and safeguard Marathi identity.

Raut accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining Maharashtra’s unity, alleging their agenda is to "loot Mumbai, make it a union territory, and push for a separate Vidarbha, erasing Maharashtra’s existence." He recalled Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ past support for a separate Vidarbha state, citing his participation in Nagpur agitations with placards declaring, "Vidarbha is my only state."

The Sena (UBT) leader warned that without the Thackeray cousins’ united leadership, Mumbai risks being overtaken by corporate interests like "Adani-Lodha," potentially detaching it from Maharashtra. Raut’s comments follow a significant public reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray on July 5, their first joint appearance in nearly 20 years, sparked by the state government’s rollback of a controversial Hindi language policy in schools. This event, Raut noted, boosted the confidence of the Marathi manoos (Marathi people).

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While the Thackerays’ joint rally fueled speculation of a political alliance, Raut clarified that no formal agreement has been announced. However, he stressed its necessity, stating, "Only through this alliance can Maharashtra find a new path." He dismissed any notion that the Thackerays would bow to pressure, asserting, "Those who think so are fools."

Raut also suggested that the Thackeray unity has unsettled the BJP leadership in Delhi and Maharashtra. He referenced a recent meeting between Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray at a Mumbai hotel, noting that Raj would clarify any resulting confusion. The Sena (UBT) leader emphasized the upcoming civic polls in Mumbai and Thane, urging the Marathi manoos to fight for control of these key cities.

The call for an alliance follows earlier hints of reconciliation. In April, Raj Thackeray downplayed past differences with Uddhav as "trivial," expressing openness to unite for Marathi interests. Uddhav echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to distance from anti-Maharashtra forces, a veiled jab at Raj’s interactions with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections loom, the potential Thackeray alliance could reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape, challenging the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.

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