The Shiv Sena's influence in Maharashtra's politics has always been significant, but in recent years, the party has weakened due to internal conflicts and splits. After parting ways with the NDA and forming the MVA government, the Shiv Sena fractured into two major factions.
Nitesh Rane on Raj-Uddhav Thackeray: Maharashtra's political landscape is once again abuzz with speculation regarding a potential alliance between Raj Thackeray, the MNS chief, and Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT). While cousins, their political paths have diverged significantly over the past two decades.
With the political equations in Maharashtra shifting, the question arises: Can Raj and Uddhav Thackeray reunite?
Reacting to this potential "Thackeray reunion," Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane made a b statement, laced with criticism of both their political and personal relationships.
Nitesh Rane's Sharp Attack
BJP leader Nitesh Rane launched a direct and scathing attack on Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that he has become anti-Hindu and is now better described as a "Jihad Emperor." Rane asserted that a leader who once championed Hindutva politics is now acting against it. He stated, "Maharashtra belongs to Shivaji Maharaj. Anti-Hindu politics won't succeed here. Uddhav Thackeray has lost the public's trust. Whether he joins hands with Raj Thackeray or not makes no difference."
Can the Two Thackerays Reunite?
Sources suggest that Uddhav Thackeray, witnessing the Shiv Sena UBT's continuously weakening political position, is inclined towards an alliance with Raj Thackeray. However, the question remains whether Raj Thackeray will accept this alliance. Raj Thackeray is known as a staunch Hindutva leader who has openly addressed issues like loudspeakers, population control, and Marathi identity in recent years.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, by aligning with parties like the Congress and NCP, adopted secular politics, leading to discontent among his former supporters. Nitesh Rane believes this potential "union" is purely a political expediency, not an ideological one. Even if they do unite, he believes it won't significantly impact Maharashtra's politics. "The people delivered their verdict in 2024," he added.
'Who Made Decisions in the MVA Government?' - An Indirect Reference to Rashmi Thackeray
Nitesh Rane indirectly targeted Uddhav Thackeray's wife, Rashmi Thackeray, stating that it's no secret who actually made decisions in the MVA government. He claimed that Uddhav Thackeray was merely a figurehead, with decisions influenced by Rashmi Thackeray and her brother. He alleged that Raj Thackeray's conflict wasn't with Uddhav, but with his family. "It wasn't Uddhav, but Rashmi Thackeray who had issues with Raj. Family politics brought the Shiv Sena to this state," he added.
Shiv Sena UBT's Declining Strength
The Shiv Sena UBT faced a highly disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Once considered Maharashtra's best regional party, it now appears significantly weaker compared to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (BJP-Shinde faction-Ajit Pawar). Nitesh Rane commented sarcastically, "The Shiv Sena is now just a name. Uddhav Thackeray's policies and allies have split the party into two. The people have made their position clear through their votes."
Loudspeaker Controversy and the Demand for Equality
Nitesh Rane also commented on the recently resurfaced loudspeaker controversy. He stated that if restrictions are imposed on DJs and loudspeakers during Hindu festivals, the same rules should apply to the Muslim community. "The law should be equal for everyone," he said. This statement is seen as a strategy to appease his Hindutva-supporting base.
Maha Vikas Aghadi is United: Reports of Discord are Rumors
When asked about alleged disagreements between the constituent parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government – BJP, the Shinde faction, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) – he dismissed these reports. He stated that Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are experienced leaders. "Their work styles may differ, but there's no conflict within the government. The cabinet is completely in sync," Rane said.
Asked which bill he would prioritize if given the chance, Rane unequivocally stated the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He described it as a necessary step towards "One Nation, One Law." According to Nitesh Rane, the BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi government are not facing opposition from any particular party, but from forces opposing Hindutva and Maharashtra. This statement was seen as a pointed reference to the Shiv Sena UBT and the Congress, which were part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
