Raj hints a post poll alliance with Uddhav for Maharashtra's sake

The MNS leader claims lack of response from Uddhav caused collapase of alliance talks with Shiv Sena

Estranged cousin brothers Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray may enter into post poll alliance in Maharashtra especially in the wake of fractured mandate.

This was indicated today by Raj himself here today. Raj, who heads Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), clarified that for him Maharashtra's interest is much more important than his ego.

"Maharashtra is bigger for me than anybody's ego. If we brothers need to come together for the benefit of Maharashtra, we will do that. Others do not have to worry about that," Raj opined.

Raj however, revealed that efforts to strike pre poll alliance with Shiv Sena failed due to lack of timely response from Uddhav. MNS chief said he and Uddhav did hold telephonic conversation on possible alliance immediately after BJP broke its 25 year old alliance with Shiv Sena on September 25.Further, both decided not to hurl abuses against each other or criticise during poll campaigning.

Incidentally, both Raj and Uddhav are stepping their attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP for their alleged attempt to divide Maharashtra under the garb of development plank. They have one thing common to seek vote on Marathi Asmita (pride of Mumbai) and Maharashtra Asmita (pride of Maharashtra).

Raj Thackeray's statement evoked positive response from Shiv Sena. The party MP and spokesman Sanjay Raut said Raj Thackeray always thinks better about Maharashtra and what will be beneficial to protect state's interest. ''However, Uddhav Thackeray will make Shiv Sena's position clear on possible tie up with MNS,'' he added.

Further Raj informed that his party legislators Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai on September 26 waited to hold talks with Shiv Sena representatives for pre poll alliance.

They also waited for phone call in this regard. However, Uddhav did not call and therefore it was decided to give A and B forms to MNS candidates as September 27 was last day for filing nomination.

As reported earlier in the BS, seat sharing talks were suspended as MNS was not prepared to play a second fiddle to Shiv Sena. Besides, both were reluctant to compromise on few seats which they had won in 2009 assembly election.  Shiv Sena had reportedly staked claim over Dadar-Mahim assembly seat which MNS had won in 2009 poll. MNS refused to do so.