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.
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