Raj keeps Uddhav waiting

MNS chief Raj Thackeray is unlikely to accept the Shiv Sena proposal for a political truce in a hurry. He has conveyed to Sena he is not as desperate as cousin Uddhav.

MNS second-rung leaders part of party policy-making team have been directed to maintain a studied silence on the matter. "Indifference" is the word. Almost half-a-dozen MNS second-rung leaders spoken to said, "Frankly speaking, we are engaged in fact-finding to ascertain what prompted Uddhav to make such a gesture."

An MNS general secretary part of policy-making said, "Uddhav has adopted a smart strategy. By extending a hand of friendship to Raj he hopes to galvanise Shiv Sainiks and keep them from straying." The big question being discussed in MNS is how will it help the party if it responds positively to the proposal of Uddhav.

MNS leaders weighing the pros and cons said, "We would like to take a call ahead of the state assembly elections in 2014." MNS reckons the Uddhav decision, which comes shortly after his elevation to the post of Sena president, is to assert authority in decision-making. He has cleverly put the ball in the court of Raj.

Senior Sena leaders said, "Uddhav has done his duty as the big brother. Now, it is for Raj to decide. One should not forget it was Raj who walked out of Sena." The counter-argument from MNS is, "Why has Uddhav chosen this time to invite Raj? Is he really playing the role of a big brother or trying to save his own backyard? "Will Uddhav ever admit the truth that led to Raj parting ways."

Raj friends in BJP have advised him to wait and watch. "It does not serve the interest of both Sena and MNS is their local leaders drift to NCP. Moreover, if Sena-MNS and BJP come together it would help both Uddhav and Raj to reassert their identities in state politics as a regional force to reckon with." Minister for PWD Chhagan Bhujbal of NCP said, "If MNS and Sena join hands, it would certainly make a difference. It is a different matter whether they will actually come together or not. But it would help their respective workers."

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