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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vartha Bharati launches Kalyana Karnataka edition, releases 23rd annual special issue in Kalaburagi
Kalaburagi: The Kalyana Karnataka edition of the Kannada daily Vartha Bharati was formally launched on Saturday at a programme held at Dr S M Pandit Rangamandir in Kalaburagi. The event also marked the release of the newspaper’s twenty-third annual special issue, a compilation of selected editorials, and the Kalyana Karnataka special supplement.
The programme was inaugurated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader. The Kalyana Karnataka edition of Vartha Bharati was unveiled by Siddharth Varadarajan, Editor-in-Chief of The Wire.
The twenty-third annual special issue was released by multilingual actor Prakash Raj. The book compiling selected editorials of Vartha Bharati was released by B R Patil, Vice-Chairperson of the State Policy and Planning Commission and MLA from Aland. The Kalyana Karnataka special supplement was released by Rahim Khan, Minister for Municipal Administration and Haj.
ALSO READ: Kalaburagi: ‘Vartha Bharati’ Kalyana Karnataka edition launched
Chairperson of the State Waqf Board and Sajjada Nashin of the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, Hazrat Syed Mohammed Ali Al Husseini, and Kalaburagi South MLA Allamaprabhu Patil were present as chief guests.
Among the special invitees on the dais were Koraneshwara Mahaswamiji of the Tontadarya Anubhava Mantapa, Aland; Bishop Rev Fr Robert Miranda of Kalaburagi; Bhante Varajyothi of Anandur; social activist K Neela; farmers’ leader Chamarasa Mali Patil; DSS state convenor D G Sagar; and activist and singer Ambanna Arolikar.
Speaking on the occasion, Assembly Speaker U T Khader said Vartha Bharati had emerged as the voice of the weak and the voiceless in society and had earned the love, trust and confidence of people across the state. He said the newspaper had carved out a distinct identity in the media landscape and expressed happiness that it was now reaching the Kalyana Karnataka region. He added that Vartha Bharati had remained free from political pressures and inducements and expressed hope that it would continue to stand as a support system for the distressed.
B R Patil said running a newspaper in the present times was not easy, as the media sector had increasingly turned into an industry driven by profit. Amidst such challenges, he said, Vartha Bharati had maintained integrity, honesty and commitment throughout its twenty-three-year journey. He expressed confidence that the newspaper would continue on the same path. Referring to Kalaburagi, he noted that the region frequently witnessed agitations due to the large number of unresolved issues, and said Vartha Bharati should continue to bring the problems and suffering of the people to the attention of the government and contribute to finding solutions.
