NEW DELHI: Speculation mounts over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, potentially joining the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Thackeray’s recent visit to Delhi has heightened these speculations, stirring curiosity about Maharashtra’s political dynamics.
In a significant development, Raj Thackeray, accompanied by his son Amit Thackeray, arrived in Delhi late Monday night, sparking rumours about potential political alliances and election strategies. Their visit has drawn attention to a speculated meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, hinting at crucial discussions on political alignments.
However, their initial attempt to meet Shah was unsuccessful. Undeterred, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde visited the Taj Hotel on Tuesday morning, where he held a meeting with Raj Thackeray for nearly 45 minutes. This unexpected encounter has stirred interest and fueled anticipation about the nature of their discussions.
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Following their meeting, Raj Thackeray, accompanied by Vinod Tawde, is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence Maharashtra’s political landscape in the days to come.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the NDA, sees an opportunity to leverage the MNS’s influence, particularly in key urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, despite the MNS not currently holding any legislative or parliamentary seats in Maharashtra. The BJP’s core committee recently convened in several states, including Maharashtra, to deliberate on potential candidates for the upcoming elections, highlighting the strategic importance of alliances and coalitions in securing electoral victories.
However, not everyone within the NDA is enthusiastic about the prospect of MNS joining the alliance. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, president of the Republican Party of India (A), expressed opposition to Thackeray’s inclusion, suggesting that the MNS could fare better independently rather than aligning with the BJP-led coalition.
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While discussions and speculations abound, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refrained from providing concrete insights, stating, “Today, I cannot officially comment on it. If any decision is taken, we will inform you.”
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid as various parties manoeuvre for strategic alliances and electoral advantages. As Thackeray’s visit to Delhi unfolds, the speculation surrounding MNS’s potential inclusion in the NDA adds an intriguing dimension to the dynamics of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.