With the MNS' potential alliance with BJP hanging in the balance, party chief Raj Thackeray made his second visit to the capital in a week, sparking rumors of a pre-poll tie-up. Sources state that Thackeray will meet with the BJP's top brass, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to discuss potential collaborations. While the MNS' vote-base in major Maharashtra cities could prove beneficial for the BJP, Thackeray has yet to make any public announcements about his plans.
Raj Thackeray's Delhi Visit Stirs Alliance Rumors
Raj Thackeray, the chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), recently made his second visit to Delhi within a week, fueling speculation of a potential pre-poll alliance with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sources state that Thackeray met with the BJP's top brass, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to discuss the possibility of collaboration. The MNS's loyal vote-base in major Maharashtra cities, particularly its strongholds in Mumbai and Thane, could provide a significant boost to the BJP's electoral prospects.
However, Thackeray has remained tight-lipped about his alliance plans. He has not made any public statements or announcements regarding a tie-up with the BJP.
Background:
The MNS has been an electoral force in Maharashtra since its inception in 2006. The party primarily draws support from the Marathi-speaking population and has a strong presence in urban areas.
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the MNS contested independently and won one seat. The party has since expressed its willingness to form alliances with like-minded parties.
The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the 2019 elections, formed a coalition government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress party. However, the NCP and the Congress withdrew their support in 2020, leading to the collapse of the government.
The BJP has been exploring various options for alliances in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for later this year.
FAQs:
To discuss a potential pre-poll alliance with the BJP.
No, Thackeray has not made any public announcements regarding an alliance.
The MNS's loyal vote base in major Maharashtra cities could provide a significant boost to the BJP's electoral prospects.
Thackeray is likely weighing his options carefully and may be seeking the most favorable deal possible.
The MNS and the BJP have occasionally formed alliances in the past on a local level. However, there has never been a formal statewide alliance between the two parties.
The Indian Express has reported exclusively that the BJP may ask K Annamalai to step down as the party's Tamil Nadu president, in order to avoid having both BJP and AIADMK's state election faces come from the Gounder community. This move is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the BJP's alliance with AIADMK, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to this community. Despite his successful leadership style, Annamalai has reportedly been assured of a bright future within the party and has pledged complete loyalty.
The Lok Sabha braces itself for a heated session as the Centre brings back the divisive Waqf (Amendment) Bill for consideration and passage. The eight-hour debate, agreed upon by leaders from all major parties, could be extended after taking the sense of the House. The previously introduced bill had faced backlash from the Opposition and was sent to a Joint Committee for further scrutiny, leading to clashes over proposed amendments and dissent notes being allegedly redacted. Some of the biggest points of contention include allowing non-Muslims to hold key positions in the Waqf board, giving power to the District Collector to determine ownership of disputed property, and removing the tribunal's final decision clause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations between India and Chile, particularly in the economic, commercial, and societal sectors. They also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and announced the start of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The Chilean President is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
The controversial Godman, Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year jail sentence for rape, has been granted a 30-day parole by the Haryana government. His release coincides with the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi, raising questions about the timing of the decision. Ram Rahim's parole last year before the Haryana assembly elections was also met with criticism. With a mass following in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, the parole has sparked a debate on the influence of religious leaders in politics. IBNS, an objective news agency, strives to provide factual and unbiased news without any biases or agendas.
It has been speculated that K Annamalai, the current BJP Tamil Nadu president, may step down from his position as alliance talks between the BJP and AIADMK intensify. The move comes amid concerns over caste equations and the BJP's strategy to consolidate its hold beyond the western region of Tamil Nadu. Sources reveal that Annamalai has expressed complete loyalty to the party and may take on a national role or a different assignment in the state.
In a scathing attack, Tamil Maanila Congress leader and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Vasan accused the ruling party of using divisive issues to distract from their failures, corruption, and scams. He demanded a white paper on the alleged Rs 1,000-crore financial fraud involving the state-run corporation responsible for liquor sales. The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids in connection with suspected financial irregularities, targeting the TASMAC headquarters, distilleries, and liquor contractors.
In his annual Gudhi Padwa rally, Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticized efforts to stir up communal tension over Aurangzeb's tomb. He urged people not to rely on WhatsApp forwards for historical information and reminded them that the Mughal ruler failed to defeat the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Thackeray's comments come as right-wing groups call for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to protests and violence.
In a joint statement, N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan shared their hopes for a successful Ramadan through welfare initiatives and the practice of Zakat. The leaders emphasized the values of compassion and unity among the Muslim community and conveyed their best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous month. This message highlights the importance of social responsibility and humanity in the spirit of Ramadan.
The people of Haridwar's Singhdwar took to the streets to express their disappointment and anger towards Uttarakhand MP Trivendra Singh Rawat. The protesters accused Rawat of promoting illegal mining and failing to implement important development work in his four-year tenure as Chief Minister. They also alleged that Rawat's actions have insulted Dalits and the poor, and that the recent survey naming him as the "most unsuccessful Chief Minister" serves as proof of his failures. This demonstration is a clear sign of public discontent and anger towards Rawat's actions.
On the auspicious day of Navratri, PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone and inaugurates several infrastructure projects worth Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh. The projects span key sectors like power, oil and gas, railways, and roads, boosting the state's development and economy. PM Modi also addresses the people of Bilaspur, highlighting the government's commitment to fulfilling its promises and ensuring every individual benefits from development efforts. He further mentions the significance of Chhattisgarh's silver jubilee year and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth centenary in the context of the government's resolve to nurture the state's growth.