Speculation of an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has been fueled by a meeting between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, causing a stir in political circles.
Maharashtra Politics: Maharashtra's political landscape is once again abuzz with activity. While political parties are intensifying their strategic maneuvers ahead of the upcoming local body elections, a clandestine meeting between Raj Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has angered the Uddhav Thackeray faction.
Following this meeting, Sanjay Raut, a prominent spokesperson and Member of Parliament from the Uddhav faction, reacted sharply, directly blaming Fadnavis for the plight of the Marathi community.
Closed-Door Discussions, Open Political Tempest
On Thursday, June 12, Raj Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis held a closed-door meeting at Mumbai's Taj Lands End hotel for about an hour and a half. News of this meeting immediately sparked a flurry of activity in political circles. While no official statement has been released regarding the meeting's contents, sources suggest it involved discussions about a potential BJP-MNS alliance.
Immediately after the meeting, Raj Thackeray also held an emergency meeting with MNS officials. This further intensified speculation that Raj Thackeray might once again align himself with the BJP.
Uddhav Faction's Displeasure, Raut's Attack
The Uddhav Thackeray faction, currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance with the Congress and NCP, appeared most uncomfortable with this meeting. Commenting on the development, Sanjay Raut sharply criticized Fadnavis, stating that some individuals (Fadnavis) are merely creating a conducive atmosphere. However, he asserted that Fadnavis himself is the true culprit behind the misfortunes faced by the Marathi community in Maharashtra. Raut also hinted that if Raj Thackeray were to join the BJP, it would be a betrayal of Marathi identity.
Implications of a BJP-MNS Alliance
Raj Thackeray has long championed Hindutva and Marathi identity politics. He openly supported the BJP on issues like the CAA-NRC and Ayodhya, but later pursued his own path. Now, with the BJP needing local support in areas like Mumbai and Thane, the MNS could emerge as a powerful ally.
According to BJP sources, the party aims to strengthen its position in local elections, especially the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, through an alliance with the MNS.
Sharad Pawar's Entry into the Fray
Amidst this political drama, NCP chief Sharad Pawar stated that he is open to alliances with any party but will maintain a distance from the BJP. Sanjay Raut expressed support for this stance, saying, "Sharad Pawar is one of the most senior leaders in the country. If he says the BJP needs to be defeated, we welcome him." This statement clarifies that the MVA constituent parties are still attempting to maintain a united anti-BJP front.
