Prashant Jagtap stated that if Raj Thackeray joins the INDIA alliance, it will strengthen the opposition. Proximity between Thackeray and Uddhav has intensified speculations.
Maharashtra: Political activity in Maharashtra has once again intensified. Discussions about the potential inclusion of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray in the INDIA alliance have become heated. This time, the discussion has been fueled by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar faction's senior leader and former Pune mayor, Prashant Jagtap.
Prashant Jagtap's Big Statement
Prashant Jagtap recently stated in a media interaction that if Raj Thackeray decides to join the INDIA alliance, he will be welcomed. He said that not only him, but leaders of other parties in the alliance will also support this move.
Jagtap said, "If Raj Thackeray joins the opposition alliance, the opposition will get a b base against the BJP. This can change the political equations in Maharashtra."
Proximity Between Raj and Uddhav Fuels Speculation
For a long time, family and political distances remained between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray. But in recent months, the presence and interaction of both leaders together on public platforms has further strengthened the possibility that the two brothers may come together in the upcoming elections.
The unity of Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and MNS can have an impact not only in Mumbai but also in other urban areas of the state, where the Marathi vote bank has an effective influence.
Raj Thackeray Can Be Important for the Opposition
Raj Thackeray has an image of being a dynamic and outspoken leader. Even though his party has not been able to become a major state-level power, the MNS vote bank is still considered effective in some urban areas.
If he joins the INDIA alliance, it will not only strengthen the politics of Marathi identity, but the anti-BJP front may also get a new face that can aggressively attack the government.
Search for Equations Before Elections
Municipal and local elections are approaching in Maharashtra. In such a situation, all parties are working on alliances and new strategies. Congress, NCP (Sharad faction) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) have already come together in the INDIA alliance. Now, if MNS also joins this alliance, the strength of the opposition can become more organized.
Raj Thackeray's Silence Remains a Mystery
So far, no official reaction has come from either Raj Thackeray or his party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, in this entire matter. However, even before this, he has been seen echoing the sentiments of Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and NCP on some issues of the opposition.
