Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray said he is open to speaking directly with his cousin Raj Thackeray about important issues, including the upcoming municipal elections and matters related to the Marathi language. In an interview with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut for Saamana, Uddhav made it clear that he prefers open and honest conversations. “We are not the kind of people who meet behind closed doors. We are from the Thackeray family — we meet openly, in front of everyone,” he said.
Local Body Polls and MVA Alliance
When asked whether the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will contest the local body elections together, Uddhav said each party will make its own decision. He noted that the Congress party has already said that its local units will decide on the matter. “That’s fine. If that’s how they want to go ahead, we’ll plan accordingly,” he added.
Uddhav also reflected on past mistakes during seat-sharing in the state assembly elections. “We were united during the Lok Sabha elections, but selfishness crept in during the assembly polls, and we lost. There’s no point in forming an alliance if we repeat those mistakes,” he said. However, he avoided blaming any particular party for the loss.
Opposition to EVMs
Uddhav strongly criticized the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and said that ballot papers should be brought back. “EVMs were introduced to save time, but what if counting takes a few days longer? In America and Europe, they still use paper ballots. Are they less advanced than us?” he asked. He also pointed out that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns about EVMs in the past.
A Rare Thackeray Reunion
Recently, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appeared together on stage at the Marathi Vijay Rally — their first public appearance together in 20 years. Their families also exchanged greetings during the event. Raj began his speech by saying that CM Devendra Fadnavis achieved something even Bal Thackeray couldn’t — bringing the two cousins on the same platform.
