Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut on Monday suggested that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is keen to align with the Congress, hinting at the possibility of the Raj Thackeray-led party joining the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.
However, the MNS promptly responded, making it clear that only party chief Raj Thackeray will decide and announce its official stance.
According to the news agency PTI, rejecting Raut`s claim, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said, “Our party’s position will be made public by us alone, not by others.”
Raut’s comments come amid growing speculation that cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray may collaborate for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. However, it remains uncertain whether the MNS will formally become part of the MVA alliance.
Asked if Raj Thackeray is ready to be part of the MVA, Raut earlier told reporters, “Even Raj Thackeray desires that the Congress, which is a constituent of the MVA, should be taken along. This is his stand.”
“But this does not mean any decision has been taken on this,” he stressed.
As per PTI, the Rajya Sabha MP said that he has spoken to AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal about “certain issues” and will also speak with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Uddhav Thackeray will also talk to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, he said.
A section of state Congress leaders has, however, opposed any move to join hands with the MNS, especially ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.
Everyone has a place in state politics. The way Shiv Sena (UBT) has, the MNS also has a place, and so do Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and the Left parties, Raut said.
“For instance, our stand is that Congress should be part of the all-party delegation. Even Raj Thackeray is of the same opinion,” he added.
Raut was referring to a delegation of opposition parties comprising Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, and Pawar that will meet the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra on Tuesday.
Deshpande, however, said that the opposition delegation meeting the EC had no connection to the MVA.
The Thackeray cousins have met at least six times in the last few months.
Once estranged, they appear to have reconciled after the drubbing their parties received in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have not yet announced an alliance for the civic polls, though their leaders have confirmed that it is on the cards.
(With PTI inputs)
