MUMBAI, June 8 -- A day after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray declared that whatever the people of Maharashtra wanted would happen, fuelling speculation about the estranged Thackeray cousins coming together, the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana published an old picture of him with Raj Thackeray on its front page. Meanwhile, Raj held another meeting of leaders of his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), on Saturday, reportedly seeking to gauge the mood among his workers as well as the people on the issue. After Raj, who parted ways with the undivided Shiv Sena in 2006, said in a podcast in April that he would set aside his differences with cousin Uddhav in the interest of Maharashtra, and Uddhav echoed similar sentiments, there has been rising pressure from the workers of both parties for their leaders to join hands. Uddhav on Friday said that the wish of the people of Maharashtra would be fulfilled. He also said that instead of giving any message to party workers, he would give the news to them directly. The statement was highlighted with a picture of the two cousins together in Saamana on Saturday, saying that Uddhav had been hinting about the reconciliation. This is seen as yet another indication that the Sena (UBT) is seeking a reunion. "Leaders from both sides have been deliberating on the possibilities of coming together, as it is seen as the need of the hour for both parties," said a Sena leader. "Both are going through troubled phases and it is a battle for survival for them." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Chandrakant Khaire claimed that the issue was discussed in a meeting at Thackeray's residence Matoshree a month ago. "Uddhavji was favourably inclined towards joining hands with Raj Thackeray, and the responsibility of talks was given to Anil Parab," he said on Saturday. The MNS too is believed to be holding meetings of its senior leaders. CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said it would be premature to react to the potential alliance. "It would not be fair for me to react to what Raj Thackeray has said and how Uddhav Thackeray has reacted," said Fadnavis. "More than the two cousins, the media is excited about the reconciliation. I will react when it actually happens." Shinde echoed Fadnavis' remarks. "Everybody has the right to decide whom to go with," he said. "There is no point in reacting to possibilities based on ifs and buts."...