Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion sparks speculations of alliance ahead of Maharashtra Day
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray called for unity in the interest of Mumbai and Maharashtra with a post on Instagram that read, “The time has come to unite for Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shiv Sainiks are ready to protect Marathi pride.” This message has sparked strong speculation about a possible alliance between Uddhav’s Shiv Sena UBT and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), especially with Maharashtra Day approaching on May 1.
The post has fueled discussions on an alliance ahead of upcoming civic body elections. A senior leader from Shiv Sena UBT stated that the message was aimed at energizing party workers and prioritizing the welfare of Marathi people. However, any final decision regarding an alliance would be made by Uddhav and Raj themselves.
A source from MNS shared that while they would welcome Uddhav’s initiative to reconcile, they emphasized that forming an alliance was a serious matter requiring detailed discussions, rather than being decided through social media posts.
Both Uddhav and Raj are currently on family holidays abroad, with reports indicating that Raj will return to Mumbai by April 29 and Uddhav by May 4.
Last week, Raj Thackeray mentioned in an interview that there were no major issues between him and Uddhav, emphasizing that Maharashtra's welfare was more important than any personal differences. Uddhav also expressed a willingness to set aside minor issues for the greater good of the state.
The possible reconciliation has been welcomed by other political leaders, including NCP leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both of whom have expressed hope that a collaboration would benefit Maharashtra.
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G7 countries urge India, Pakistan to de-escalate situation
New Delhi, May 10 (PTI): The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Saturday urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and called for immediate de-escalation of their military conflict through dialogue.
The call by the powerful grouping came amid the continuing escalation of the military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The G7 said it is continuing to monitor the situation "closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution".
In a statement, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries said further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability.
"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan," the grouping said in a statement.
"Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides," it said.
"We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome," the G7 said.
