Amid the changing political equilibrium in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that no mediation was required to speak to Raj Thackeray. Posters had showed up in Mumbai urging the Thackeray cousins to come together to join hands.
"(We) don't need any mediator to speak to Raj Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are brothers, they can talk to each other whenever they want. Everyone is aware of my friendship with Raj Thackeray," Sanjay Raut said.
Once seen as Bal Thackeray's political heir, Raj quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 blaming Uddhav for his exit.
Meanwhile, a meeting between Sanjay Raut and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Abhijit Panse has led to speculation about the MNS approaching the Sena (UBT) with a proposal for a possible alliance.
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Asked about the possibility of two Thackeray cousins coming together, Raut earlier said, “This matter is between the two brothers. No household should have a dispute. They are brothers and the relations between the two are long-lasting and go beyond politics."
Raj left the Shiv Sena in 2005, following a power tussle with Uddhav, and launched the MNS in 2006. Ever since, the two cousins have been at loggerheads. The Shiv Sena suffered a split last year year when its senior leader Eknath Shinde, along with more than three dozen MLAs, rebelled against the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde later joined hands with the BJP and became chief minister.
