Raj Thackeray’s MNS Nears Alliance with BJP, South Mumbai Seat in Focus

Mumbai, 20th March 2024: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is on the verge of solidifying an alliance with the BJP in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Speculations about this alliance gained momentum following a closed-door meeting between Raj Thackeray, accompanied by his son Amit, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday.

Reliable sources from both parties have hinted at the BJP’s willingness to share a constituency with the MNS. While the specific seat allocation remains unconfirmed—whether it will be South Mumbai, Shirdi, or Nasik—the likelihood of South Mumbai being offered to the MNS appears to be the highest.

Seat Allocation:

It is anticipated that the MNS will likely secure the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, with senior MNS leader and Raj Thackeray loyalist Bala Nandgaonkar poised to contest. Nandgaonkar, who has previously contested twice from this constituency, expressed his readiness for the upcoming challenge, emphasizing his commitment to follow the directives of the party leadership.

Negotiations and Meetings:

Over the past few days, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has held three confidential meetings with Raj Thackeray to explore the possibility of an alliance. Following the successful conclusion of preliminary discussions, Raj Thackeray expressed a desire for a personal meeting with Amit Shah, which was arranged after obtaining approval from Delhi.

Rationale Behind Alliance:

The BJP’s interest in aligning with the MNS stems from several strategic considerations. By tapping into the Marathi-speaking electorate in South Mumbai and Nashik, the BJP aims to bolster its electoral prospects, particularly in countering the incumbent Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena. Additionally, the BJP sees value in leveraging Raj Thackeray’s oratory skills and crowd-pulling abilities to counterbalance Uddhav Thackeray’s influence and potentially strengthen its ideological stance.

Impact on Hindutva Agenda:

The prospective alliance with the MNS is viewed as a reinforcement of the BJP’s commitment to its Hindutva agenda. BJP leaders emphasize the distinction between Raj Thackeray’s purported adherence to Hindutva principles and their criticism of Uddhav Thackeray’s perceived departure from these ideals due to his alliance with the Congress.

Looking Ahead:

In the pursuit of securing a third term for Prime Minister Modi, BJP leaders emphasize a strategy of inclusivity, expressing willingness to accommodate allies like the MNS and adapt as necessary to consolidate their electoral position.

Overall, the impending alliance between the BJP and MNS carries significant implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics and strategic alignments in the region.