'There is no alliance as of now': Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut on possible Raj-Uddhav reunion

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut addressed the media on Sunday regarding potential reunion talks between cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, clarifying that while emotional discussions are ongoing, no formal alliance exists between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) at present.
Raut emphasized the strong bond between the Thackeray brothers, highlighting their years of association and unbroken relationship.
"There is no alliance (between MNS and Shiv Sena -UBT) as of now, only emotional talks are going on... Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are brothers. We have been together for years. Our relationship has not broken... Both brothers will decide (about the alliance). We have accepted what Uddhav Ji said: for Maharashtra, if we (MNS and Shiv Sena -UBT) need to come together, we will," Raut stated.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP also criticized certain political parties that claim to be Maharashtra's well-wishers.
"Uddhav Ji said that there are a few parties who claim to be well-wishers of Maharashtra, but they are the enemy of Maharashtra. They broke Balasaheb's Shiv Sena to attack the pride of Maharashtra, and with such parties, we shouldn't have any relations, and then only we can be true Maharashtrians, and this is not a condition but the feelings of the people of Maharashtra, and this is what Udhhav ji has said," Raut explained.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the possibility of a reunion between the Thackeray cousins.
"If the two come together, we will be happy about it. If people settle their differences, it is a good thing. What else can I say about it?" Fadnavis remarked.
The discussions follow recent statements by MNS chief Raj Thackeray expressing willingness to reunite with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav by setting aside past differences.