Will welcome Sena (UBT)-MNS tie-up if it's in Maharashtra's interest: Cong

Raj Thackeray has earlier said that uniting in the interest of Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people) was not difficult, while Uddhav Thackeray has said he was ready to put aside trivial fights

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Congress on Friday said it will welcome an alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) if it is in the interest of the state and to keep the "communal" BJP away.

The party's statement comes amid speculation about a possible reconciliation between estranged cousins - Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray - as their recent remarks indicated that they could join hands.

State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, "There has been a talk from both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS that they will join hands to protect Maharashtra's interests and keep the communal BJP away. If the two parties are coming together for this, we will welcome the move."