Ball now in Sena’s court, say MNS leaders

When Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on Monday, his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray was nowhere to be seen.

When Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on Monday, his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray was nowhere to be seen.

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While an MNS spokesperson cited a viral fever as the official reason for Raj’s absence, his close aides said he had already made a goodwill gesture – by rushing to Uddhav’s side when he was first taken to hospital – and would now wait for his uncle (Bal Thackeray) and cousin to make the next move.

“He went the extra mile when he heard the news about Uddhav’s illness and met him at the hospital. Now, it is up to Sena to decide on future developments,” said an MNS functionary on the condition of anonymity. “Raj also wanted to send a signal indicating that he is now eager for a reunion or merger.”

MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said all these discussions were “premature”. “He went there as a brother, not as a political leader. How the Sena will react or whether they will react at all, are internal matters,” he said.

Shiv Sena leaders said Uddhav is the only authority to take a decision on the matter.

Murmurs of a reunion surfaced last week after Raj visited Uddhav at the hospital.