Raj steals the show

Uddhav’s reconciliation wish likely to put Raj in quandary

Mumbai: When Raj Thackeray arrived at the NSCI Dome for a joint rally with cousin Uddhav he was fully aware that it was a moment to cement his position in the state politics. True to his nature, Raj did not disappoint the 20,000 strong audience and the political observers.

Raj’s 25-minute-long speech underpinned specific three points. He was not willing for any compromise on the issue of respect to Marathi language from across the society. He appealed the cadre to “react” whenever they see anyone insulting Marathi language and culture. At the same time, he issued a caution against beating any random person over petty issues.

Raj named one Nayan Shah, a Gujarati residing in Shivaji Park, as an example of people who love Marathi despite not having roots in Maharashtra. “He speaks fluent Marathi and listen to Pu. La. Deshpande during his evening walk in Shivaji Park,” Raj said.

Political observers believe that Raj has tried to get closer to the Gujarati community by naming Shah. His choice of example is significant since the MNS workers had slapped a Gujarati speaking shop owner in Mira Road for not conversing in Marathi a couple of days ago. “If someone raises his hand over insult of Marathi he is unaware whether the person who is insulting is a Gujarati or anyone else,” Raj said.

In a subtle message to Uddhav, Raj recalled a 1999 incident when he was very close to Shiv Sena founder the late Bal Thackeray. There was a stalemate between BJP and Shiv Sena over government formation at that time. “One day, Prakash Jawadekar came to me and requested for a meeting with Balasaheb. Jawadekar said the BJP was willing to make Suresh Jain (an MLA from Jalgaon) the Chief Minister and he wanted me to get Balasaheb’s consent for this proposal. When I told Balasaheb about this proposal he said, ‘The CM of Maharashtra will be a Marathi person only’. Balasaheb gave up the power but did not compromise on the issue of Marathi,” Raj said.

In 1999, the Congress-NCP combine formed the government as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance failed to reach at any conclusion over power sharing. The Congress-NCP remained in the power for the next 15 years.

Political observers believe that Raj’s reference to this incident was an attempt to remind Uddhav that he was nowhere in the picture when Balasaheb used to take important political decisions. In a way, Raj tried to suggest that should the Shiv Sena (UBT) join hands with the MNS for the upcoming civic polls his (Raj) word should be considered as final when it came to seat sharing.

Senior journalist and former Congress MP Kumar Ketkar disagreed. “I don’t think Raj had any message for Uddhav in this example,” Ketkar said. “It is a known fact that Uddhav was not active in politics in 1999. Raj only reiterated what had happened at that time. It is not a message for Uddhav.”

Uddhav’s plan

The political observers agree that it is Uddhav’s need to join hands with Raj to remain relevant in the state politics. Raj has nothing to lose but if Uddhav could not regain his hold on the cash rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) his political existence will be irrelevant.

Senior journalist Rajesh Kocharekar, however, believes that Uddhav has created a catch-20 situation for Raj by openly expressing a desire for an alliance. “If Raj refutes his proposal he will be painted as pro-BJP and ultimately the killer of Marathi unity. The ball is in Raj’s court now,” Kocharekar said.