MUMBAI: Following the positive responses from both Thackeray cousins regarding their reunion, workers of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led MNS have decided to keep their cards close to their chest and wait for the right moment to react.
Raj Thackeray, currently abroad, instructed his party leaders and workers to refrain from commenting on the Thackeray cousin reunion speculation and developments.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former minister Aditya Thackeray also stated that, as both party leaders have spoken on the matter, it would be inappropriate for him to comment. He added that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray would make further statements and, as a party cadre, he would refrain from commenting.
In its editorial on Monday, Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece Saamana said the two leaders (Uddhav and Raj) should take steps in the state's interest, adding, "If nectar comes out of poison, Maharashtra needs it."
"If life is spent in arguments and fights, the future generations of Maharashtra will not forgive them. This strange and poisonous period is ongoing, in which the Marathi people of Maharashtra should learn a lesson and guard every step. If nectar comes out of poison, Maharashtra needs it," the Saamana editorial read.
MNS leader and spokesperson Prakash Mahajan stated that, since the two main leaders of the party are involved, the MNS would not comment.
Reacting to Uddhav’s decision to put conditions on the family reunion, Mahajan said that the former Maharshtra CM, as the elder brother, has the right to set conditions and take the lead.
Meanwhile, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena spokesperson and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske called Uddhav the "modern Duryodhan." He claimed that Raj Thackeray would not fall for Shiv Sena (UBT)’s overtures.
"Raj Thackeray was expelled from the undivided Sena. Now, they want him to board a sinking ship—but Raj is not a naive politician," Mhaske said.
"He never allowed his brother Raj Thackeray to rise within the party, even when Balasaheb Thackeray had proposed giving him key responsibilities. Uddhav opposed it tooth and nail," Mhaske added.