MNS Leader Recounts Past Betrayal Amid Alliance Talks
Amid ongoing speculation about a possible alliance between Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS Mumbai President Sandeep Deshpande has made a striking statement, recalling a bitter political episode from the past and expressing caution over renewed unity efforts. Speaking to the media, Deshpande shared insights into the behind-the-scenes events of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where he claims a potential alliance between BJP and MNS was derailed due to last-minute intervention by Shiv Sena leaders.
Deshpande’s Allegation: “We Were Betrayed in 2014”
“In 2014, the BJP had proposed an alliance with MNS. As soon as the news came out, Uddhav Thackeray called Raj Thackeray and urged that both factions should come together. Respecting his request, we halted the distribution of AB forms and did not proceed with the BJP alliance,” Deshpande stated. He added that Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai allegedly intervened and actively discouraged the MNS’s candidates, including from Nandgaonkar’s team, urging them to step back. “Because of his interference, not only did our alliance with BJP collapse, but Shiv Sena didn’t form one either. They played a double game with us,” Deshpande said. “After burning our mouths with milk, we now blow on buttermilk,” he remarked metaphorically, expressing MNS’s caution in current negotiations.
Calls for Trust-Building and Transparency
Deshpande acknowledged that while Shiv Sena leaders such as Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, and Aaditya Thackeray have been making positive statements about a potential alliance, words must now be matched by action. “Shiv Sena says they are open to an alliance, but a single genuine phone call could resolve most of the disputes between the Thackeray cousins. However, are they really serious or are they just stringing us along again? They need to create an atmosphere of trust,” Deshpande asserted.
Alliance Talks Continue Amid Cautious Optimism
The political speculation about a Raj-Uddhav reunion has intensified in recent months, with both parties leaving the door open for future collaboration. However, MNS’s recollection of past betrayals highlights the fragility of such negotiations, especially when steeped in complex history and deep-rooted mistrust. As Maharashtra’s political landscape evolves ahead of the upcoming elections, the question remains: Can the Thackeray brothers truly come together for the state’s future, or will history repeat itself?