Mumbai BJP Chief Meets Raj Thackeray Amid Tie-Up Rumours, Details To Be Disclosed At 'Appropriate Time'
Raj Thackeray founded MNS in 2006 after leaving Shiv Sena (undivided), seemingly in protest against Bal Thackeray's efforts to promote his son Uddhav Thackeray.
The meeting between Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar and MNS President Raj Thackeray on Monday has fueled speculation about a potential alliance between the two parties.
According to a report by news agency PTI, on the surface, Shelar mentioned that meetings between old friends are a common occurrence. However, he added that "details (about the meeting) will be shared at an appropriate time".
"Raj Thackeray and I have been friends for a long time. We also meet and discuss some other topics. We will reveal certain details at the right time," Shelar told reporters after visiting Thackeray at his residence in Dadar.
राजकारणात राजकीय भेटी होतात, राजकीय चर्चा होतात. राज ठाकरे हे आमचे वैयक्तिक मित्रच आहेत. म्हणून गाठीभेटी त्यांच्याकडून व आमच्याकडून झाल्या. त्याचा उलगडा योग्यवेळी होईल.@RajThackeray @mnsadhikrut @BJP4Mumbai @BJP4Maharashtra #PressConference pic.twitter.com/Zdw8ahh77P
— Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) February 19, 2024
As per media reports, the political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with the notion that the BJP might collaborate with MNS to divide Marathi votes, aiming to diminish the influence of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in the city.
A delegation of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders recently met State Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"Both parties (BJP and MNS) are friendly, but no discussion on an alliance had taken place. The (political) picture will become clear in the coming days and well ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Fadnavis had stated, as per a PTI report.
Raj Thackeray founded MNS in 2006 after leaving Shiv Sena (undivided), seemingly in protest against Bal Thackeray's efforts to promote his son Uddhav Thackeray.
In the debut assembly elections held in 2009, the MNS secured 13 out of 288 seats, primarily in Mumbai.
The division of Marathi votes played a crucial role in MNS' success, causing setbacks for Shiv Sena in the Lok Sabha elections that same year in Mumbai.
However, over the years, the MNS lost its political prominence and was relegated to the margins in the state.
Related Video
Indore Water Crisis: 15 Dead After Drinking Contaminated Water, Situation Still Critical
Top Headlines
