This Article is From Oct 09, 2014

Offered to Ally With Uddhav After his Split with BJP, Says Raj Thackeray

Offered to Ally With Uddhav After his Split with BJP, Says Raj Thackeray

Despite repeated attempts from our side, there was no response, says Raj Thackeray.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray says after the Shiv Sena-BJP split, he had offered alliance to estranged cousin and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for the coming assembly polls. But his overtures had got no response.

The first such conversation took place the night the BJP ended ties with the Sena, Raj  Thackeray told a television channel, reports Press Trust of India.

"After the Sena-BJP alliance ended on September 25, the same night I talked to Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on phone," he said. "It was agreed that leaders of the two parties (MNS and Sena) will take the discussion forward, but despite repeated attempts from our side, there was no response." (Read: BJP Ends 25-Year-Old Alliance With Shiv Sena in Maharashtra)

The estranged cousins had spoken a few times that week, raising hopes of a rapprochement - they had been in touch since Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray's death.

That week, even before the split was announced, Uddhav had called Raj twice. But sources close to him had claimed the calls were purely personal. The cousins had talked about the health of Raj - who had been suffering from malaria, they had said. (Read: Bhai-Bhai. Amid Break-Up With BJP, Uddhav Pinged Estranged Cousin Raj)

A warmer relationship, however, became evident when Raj insisted on taking on the BJP repeatedly for the split with Sena during his election rallies. He had even upbraided Uddhav for not severing ties with the NDA government at the Centre immediately. (Read: Sena's Union Minister to Resign After PM Modi's Return, says Uddhav Thackeray)

The MNS chief's reaction had triggered a buzz about a possible post-poll alliance between the two parties - which the Sena has so far denied.

In the interview, asked what his party's stand would be on a post-poll alliance, Raj avoided a direct response. "My target in this election is not the Shiv Sena but the Congress, the NCP and the BJP," he said.

Hours after the interview was aired, the Sena camp said Uddhav would respond to Raj's statement in due course.

"Uddhav will give whatever reaction that is to be given," said Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut. "Raj Thackeray's stand in the interest of Maharashtra is welcome... We will see (what happens) after the elections," he added.
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