With just nine days remaining until the first phase of polling, the BJP and its allied parties are grappling with seat-sharing negotiations in Maharashtra, a crucial state. However, the alliance received a substantial boost as Raj Thackeray, the founder of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, extended his support to the BJP without any conditions.
Thackeray made this announcement while addressing party workers on Gudi Padwa, last Tuesday. He disclosed his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month and emphasized being among the earliest proponents of Narendra Modi’s candidacy for Prime Minister.
Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, welcomed Thackeray’s decision.
Thackeray stressed the necessity for PM Modi’s leadership, citing India’s youthful demographic requiring adequate education and employment opportunities, warning of potential unrest otherwise. He asserted his unconditional backing to the BJP-led alliance, emphasizing it was solely for Narendra Modi.
“I harbor no expectations. Whenever there’s a call for strong leadership in the country, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will stand by the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP without conditions. It’s solely for Narendra Modi,” stated Mr. Thackeray.
It remains uncertain whether the MNS will nominate candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. Thackeray urged his cadre to prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections later this year, indicating hopes for support and a share of seats.
Thackeray defended his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting encouragement from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and Devendra Fadnavis.
He applauded the central government’s decisions, including the revocation of Article 370, while accusing his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut of opportunism in their criticism of Modi post their loss of power.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde hailed Thackeray’s support, while DCM Fadnavis expressed gratitude for MNS’s alliance with BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. Thackeray’s move elicited mixed reactions, with some interpreting it as a significant political realignment.
