MNS chief Raj Thackeray, on April 9, offered his party 's 'unconditional support' to the BJP-Sena-NCP alliance and backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a little more than a week left to the 18th Lok Sabha Elections.
Speculations arose following Thackeray's meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah last month, suggesting a potential alliance with the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra.
During his party's Gudi Padwa rally on April 9, Thackeray reiterated his unconditional support for the ruling Mahayuti alliance, stressing the significance of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for the nation's future. He also urged his party members to prepare for the impending state assembly elections later this year, noting that the MNS had yet to nominate any candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.
"The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is offering unconditional support to the grand alliance of 'BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP... This backing is solely for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA coalition. Now, all should gear up for the elections...", the MNS chief said, as quoted by ANI.
Thackeray discussed seat-sharing with the BJP, emphasising that negotiations were not his forte, recalling his last negotiation experience in 1995. Despite his support, he asserted that his party symbol was non-negotiable, insisting on contesting elections under it due to the hard work invested in obtaining it.
Shortly after Thackeray's announcement, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde thanked the MNS Chief for extending his support to the Mahayuti alliance.
"I thank MNS President Raj Thackeray for endorsing Mahayuti. Raj Thackeray provided his support without attaching any conditions. Our Shiv Sena remains true to the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and is not influenced by the Congress", said the CM.
After Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra holds considerable political significance, contributing 48 members to the lower House, the second-highest representation among all states.
The forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra will unfold across five phases, with voting scheduled from April 19 to May 20. The results are slated to be announced on June 4.
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