Mumbai: MNS-Sena (UBT) talks hit a bump on Uddhav’s ‘all or nothing’ rider

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray meet at Matoshree. File pic courtesy/X @ShivSenaUBT_

The much speculated reconciliation talks between the two estranged Thackeray cousins - Uddhav and Raj - have hit a roadblock before they could even pick up speed. The reason? A single condition put forward by Uddhav.

For the last two days, the BJP-led Maharashtra government has been getting flak for its decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for students in Class 1 to 5 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. MNS chief Raj and Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav both gave an indication that they'd be willing to bury the hatchet to fight together for the Marathi cause. Raj, in a recent interview, said he was willing to put aside all differences to safeguard the interests of Marathi and Maharashtra.

Uddhav, too, addressed a party event in the city yesterday, stating there were no differences between him and Raj and that he was willing to reunite for the betterment of the state. However, he put forward a single condition: "I am willing to come together provided Raj Thackeray stops meeting those who are working against the interest of the Maharashtra state and its people [read BJP-led Mahayuti, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-headed NCP]."

However, MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande made it amply clear that dialogue cannot happen with conditions. "UBT leaders will keep meeting [whichever] leaders they want, then how can Uddhav Thackeray decide whom the MNS chief should meet? How will we progress if conditions are put forward even before communication channels are opened?" Desphande questioned.

Won't allow Hindi imposition: Uddhav

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asserted that his party will not allow Hindi to be made compulsory in Maharashtra. Addressing an event of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the workers' wing of the party, Thackeray said his party has no aversion to the Hindi language but asked why it is being forced.