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Raj Thackeray's MNS To Join BJP-Led Alliance In Maharashtra? Here's What We Know So Far

Nayan DwivediMar 19, 2024, 11:27 AM | Updated 11:27 AM IST
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.


Speculations are rife about a potential alliance in Maharashtra's political landscape, as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his son Amit are in Delhi for crucial discussions.

After reaching Delhi, Thackeray was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, “I don't know what my schedule is yet. I was just told to come to Delhi."

As per reports, Thackeray is likely to demand two seats -- South Mumbai and Shirdi, for his party MNS.

Meanwhile, the BJP's top leadership, including Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, held discussions in Delhi earlier, aiming to finalize seat-sharing arrangements in the state.

The potential inclusion of MNS in the alliance is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to challenge the dominance of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar.

Also, some BJP members believe that MNS's presence may dent Shiv Sena's Marathi vote bank in crucial areas.

In the opposition camp, the Congress party is gearing up for crucial meetings.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is set to convene in the national capital to discuss and approve the party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Led by former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, the manifesto committee has already submitted a draft document highlighting guarantees for various groups, including farmers, women, laborers, and youth.

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