The politics of Maharashtra seem to be heating up ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and Assembly polls later this year. Hectic parleys are underway in Delhi and Maharashtra amid speculation that Raj Thackeray-led MNS may become a fourth partner in the Mahayuti government led by BJP. Raj Thackeray had a 30-minute long meeting with BJP National General Secretary in Delhi on Tuesday, March 19. Following this meeting, both Thackeray and Tawde visited Home Minister Amit Shah, adding more fuel to speculation.
According to sources, Raj Thackeray has demanded Lok Sabha ticket from South Mumbai for MNS if he joins the Mahayuti. While the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is strong with BJP, Shinde led Shiva Sena and Ajit Pawar led NCP, it is being said that Raj Thackeray will add weightage to the camp and will help sway the ‘Marathi Manoos’ vote bank.
Also Read | Is Mahayuti Govt Looking For a Fourth Partner in Maharashtra Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls?
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra as well, meetings have been underway as Raj Thackeray meets BJP bigwigs in the national capital. While Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met party MPs at his residence in Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, NCP’s Ajit Pawar also met at the Sagar bungalow in Mumbai.
When asked about Raj Thackeray joining the Mahayuti alliance, BJP leader Nitesh Rane, in an exclusive chat with News18, said that it will strengthen the party’s Hindutva agenda.
Taking a jibe at former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Rane said, “We will get original Thackeray with us. Uddhav Thackeray is now Chinese brand, duplicate. He isn’t true to Hindutva. He has joined hands with the Congress. Whereas Raj Thackeray is the firebrand Hindutva icon who carries the mantle of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology.”
When asked whether the BJP will be willing to give a seat to the MNS, Rane said that the main aim is to “make Modiji the Prime Minister for the third time.” “We will take everyone along. And as our leader Fadnavis has said, we will take all our friends together and will adjust wherever required,” he added.
With back to back meetings underway in Delhi and Maharashtra, all eyes are now on whether Raj Thackeray will join the Mahayuti alliance and get the desired seat he has asked for.
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