Hopes raised for Sena (UBT)-MNS political alliance but Raj still silent

Leaders from both parties have indicated that the situation is likely to be clearer in a few days

- Saurabha Kulshreshtha and Yogesh Naik

MUMBAI: After the grand joint victory rally of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray at Worli and enthusiastic support by party workers, the second-line leadership of both parties is fervently hoping that the bonhomie will translate into a political alliance for the forthcoming local body elections.

However, the suspense continues on account of Raj Thackeray's silence on this issue. Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena, irked by the victory rally, have started to denigrate the ‘Thackeray brand’ and praise Eknath Shinde for his “commitment and work for Marathi people”.

In the face of Raj’s silence, as ‘opposed to Uddhav’s open willingness for a tie-up, MNS and Sena (UBT) leaders have indicated that there will be a pause but the situation is likely to be clearer in a few days. An MNS leader indicated that Raj was likely to hold a meeting of party leaders to discuss the feedback and their opinion about the possible benefits and outcome of an alliance with Uddhav.