Patch-up with Raj not in sight: Uddhav

He may be his father8217;s son, and a favourite one at that, but Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray is neither inclined to play just the kingmaker like Sena supremo Bal Thackeray

He may be his father8217;s son, and a favourite one at that, but Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray is neither inclined to play just the kingmaker like Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, nor replicate his trademark harsh language. Moreover, he is certainly not ready to embrace his cousin Raj Thackeray in case the latter chooses to return to the Shiv Sena.

On a short holiday in the capital after a hectic BMC election, on Saturday, a relaxed Uddhav answered a wide range of questions during a free-wheeling interaction with reporters.

8220;Thackeray did not seek any office, will you also persist with this practice?8221; Uddhav refused to comment. The obvious implication is that should the Sena-BJP combine gain a majority in a future election, Uddhav would be the natural candidate for chief ministership. Obviously, he would rather be a king than a kingmaker.

Uddhav did not agree with the contention that Thackeray8217;s comments on Raj amounted to an invite to his nephew to return to the Sena. On the other hand, he appeared to be setting the terms for any such patch-up by citing the issues on which Raj8217;s stand was at variance with that of the Sena. These included the Sena8217;s saffron flag, Hindutva agenda and opposition to Valentine8217;s Day celebrations.

Uddhav recalled that Raj had described Sena as his enemy number one. 8220;We can speak about the Congress and the NCP, but what does one say about a party whose policies and programmes are not known?8221;

His tone marked by sarcasm, the Sena leader said he shared the view expressed by former party MP Subodh Mohite that he lacked far-sight and vision. 8220;Had it not been so I would not have got him a ministership at the Centre8230; His exit is unfortunate, but we gave him whatever we could,8221; he added.

On reports that some more MPs were planning to leave the Sena, Uddhav said: 8220;I have spoken to all8221; and found nothing. However, 8220;we will see if anything surfaces8221;.

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Uddhav alleged that there is 8220;a conspiracy to separate Mumbai from the rest of Maharasthra8221;. 8220;This has been the Congress agenda from the beginning,8221; he said, calling upon Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to publicly oppose this 8220;if they have the guts8221;. Mumbai, according to him, contributed Rs 70,000 crore to Central revenue. 8220;I wish the Centre reassigns at least one-fourth of it to the city.8221;