India, July 7 -- After the grand joint victory rally of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray at Worli and enthusiastic support by party workers, the second-line leadership of both parties is fervently hoping that the bonhomie will translate into a political alliance for the forthcoming local body elections. However, the suspense continues on account of Raj Thackeray's silence on this issue. Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena, irked by the victory rally, have started to denigrate the 'Thackeray brand' and praise Eknath Shinde for his "commitment and work for Marathi people".

In the face of Raj's silence, as opposed to Uddhav's open willingness for a tie-up, MNS and Sena (UBT) ...