The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated discussions with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to ally Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, positioning themselves against his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction. On Tuesday, Raj Thackeray and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde held talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
Speculation within political circles in Maharashtra suggests that the BJP might collaborate with the MNS to fragment Marathi votes, aiming to diminish the influence of Uddhav Thackeray’s party, particularly in Mumbai.
Should the alliance materialize with Raj Thackeray, who arrived in the national capital on Monday, the MNS could secure one seat to contest from Mumbai, where Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena holds significant sway. Recently, a delegation of MNS leaders met with state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Raj Thackeray, the nephew of Bal Thackeray, distanced himself from the Shiv Sena, led by his cousin, due to ideological differences. Despite being recognized as a charismatic orator with a dedicated following, the MNS failed to sustain its impact after its formation in 2006, following Raj Thackeray’s exit from the Shiv Sena over alleged nepotism favoring Uddhav Thackeray.
Thackeray’s past controversial remarks targeting North Indians drew widespread condemnation, including from leaders within the BJP. In its debut in the 2009 assembly elections, the MNS secured 13 out of 288 seats, predominantly in Mumbai, largely attributed to the division of Marathi votes, affecting the Shiv Sena’s performance in the corresponding Lok Sabha elections. Over time, however, the MNS lost momentum and relegated itself to the political periphery in Maharashtra.
Reacting to the recent developments surrounding Raj Thackeray’s visit, NCP-SCP leader and MP Supriya Sule emphasized prioritizing issues such as corruption, unemployment, and inflation. She expressed openness to including the MNS in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, stressing the importance of collective action within the constitutional framework.
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