Mumbai, June 14: A Maharashtra minister has called for Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, shortly after Thackeray held a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fueling speculation of a new political alignment ahead of the state’s crucial civic polls.
The meeting, which took place at a Mumbai hotel on Thursday, has stirred fresh speculation over a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the MNS. It also coincides with persistent chatter about a possible reconciliation between estranged cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who leads the Shiv Sena (UBT).
“Politics is full of surprises and U-turns. Nothing is predictable,” said Sanjay Shirsat, a minister in the Maharashtra government and a leader from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. “We had extended an offer to Raj saheb earlier as well. Considering his influence, he is well-positioned to contest the civic polls. We would once again request him to join Mahayuti.”
The Mahayuti coalition includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and the Ajit Pawar-led wing of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The coalition currently holds power in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), a fierce critic of the BJP, responded cautiously to the meeting. “The meeting could have been for many reasons. Around 90 to 95 percent of workers from both parties believe there should be an alliance between us (Sena-UBT and MNS). But it’s too early to draw conclusions,” said senior Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar.
Political observers note that the outcome of the civic polls—particularly in Mumbai and Pune—will be a key indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2029 general elections. Neither the MNS nor the BJP have issued an official statement about the meeting or a potential alliance.
