Maharashtra Minister bats for MNS-BJP alliance after Raj Thackeray meets Fadnavis
Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday (June 12, 2025) urged Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, a statement that came shortly after Mr. Raj met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
The meeting, held at a hotel earlier in the day, triggered fresh speculation about a possible tie-up between the BJP and the MNS ahead of the crucial civic elections. It also came amid ongoing buzz about a possible reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins — Mr. Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT).
'Politics is full of surprises and U-turns. Nothing is predictable. Such alliances are often necessary to strengthen and expand a party. 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,' Mr. Shirsat said.
The Mahayuti coalition comprises the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT), a fierce critic of the BJP, responded cautiously to the Fadnavis-Raj meeting. 'The meeting could have been for many reasons. Around 90 to 95% 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 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar.
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