Raj Thackeray's Meeting with Amit Shah Fuels Speculation of MNS Joining BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance in Maharashtra

New Delhi- In a development that has heightened the curiosity of all political parties, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting between the two leaders has come amid speculation that the Shiv Sena's MNS will join forces with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Thackeray, accompanied by his son Amit Thackeray, held discussions with Amit Shah, raising anticipation over the MNS potentially joining the NDA fold.

While Thackeray shared pictures of the meeting on his social media handles, no specific details were disclosed about the discussions that took place. This deliberate silence has fueled speculation and heightened anticipation regarding the potential outcomes of the meeting, leaving observers eager for further updates on the unfolding political dynamics.

Reports suggest that Raj Thackeray's visit to Delhi coincides with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule's presence in the national capital.

Speculation abounds that Thackeray may seek two seats for his party, the MNS. Notably, Thackeray's relation with his estranged cousin, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, adds an intriguing dynamic to the unfolding political narrative in the state.

Amidst the factionalism within the Shiv Sena, with Uddhav Thackeray leading one faction and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde heading the other, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains dynamic and poised for potential realignments.

According to reports, Raj Thackeray is likely to demand two seats for his party. The Shiv Sena's leader, who is also the estranged cousin of the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, is expected to discuss the tie-up with Amit Shah.

The Shiv Sena split into two factions after a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde in 2022. Following the split, he became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The ruling alliance in the state currently consists of the BJP, NCP and the Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

As per a party leader familiar with the ongoing developments, the BJP is actively pursuing the expansion of its alliance to encompass all like-minded parties. Currently, the BJP maintains alliances with both the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.

For the MNS, aligning with the BJP presents a strategic opportunity to revitalize its political presence in Maharashtra. Established in 2005 amid Raj Thackeray's discord with Uddhav, the MNS emerged strongly in 2009, securing 13 Assembly seats and establishing itself as a significant voice in Maharashtra.

Nevertheless, the party experienced a decline in subsequent elections, managing to secure just one seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, the party secured six corporators, but all but one eventually shifted allegiance to the unified Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray. A potential tie-up with the BJP could offer the MNS a platform to reclaim its political footing in the state.