Raj Thackeray's MNS Gives Unconditional Support To NDA, PM Modi

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Tuesday offered unconditional support to the ruling Mahayuti' alliance of the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP in Maharashtra.

Speaking at his party's Gudi Padwa rally in Mumbai, he also declared support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said the upcoming Lok Sabha elections would decide the "future of the country." Thackeray also asked his party workers to start preparing for the state assembly elections which are due later this year.

Eknath Shinde Thanks

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his gratitude towards Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray for his unconditional support to the Mahayuti alliance. This alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has received a boost with the backing of Raj Thackeray, particularly in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

During a media interaction at Nagpur airport, CM Shinde took a veiled dig at his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, criticizing him for his inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic and questioning his right to criticize PM Modi. Shinde's remarks came after Raj Thackeray's announcement at the annual rally in Mumbai on Gudi Padwa. This day marks the traditional New Year for Maharashtrians and is seen as a symbol of new beginnings and auspiciousness. Raj Thackeray's endorsement of the Mahayuti alliance and PM Modi was highlighted as a significant political move.

When questioned about the possibility of allocating Lok Sabha seats to MNS for contesting elections, CM Shinde clarified that the MNS had not placed any conditions on its support for the alliance. He emphasized that Raj Thackeray's support was directed towards PM Modi's leadership and his development agenda.

The conversation also touched upon the criticism from Shiv Sena UBT president Uddhav Thackeray, who had labeled the ruling party as "Chinese Sena." In response, CM Shinde robustly defended his faction of the Shiv Sena, invoking the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and his ideology. He stressed that those who do not adhere to Balasaheb's ideology or accept the insult to Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar should reconsider their criticisms. According to Shinde, his actions were aimed at preserving the true essence of the Shiv Sena.

This political discourse underscores the ongoing tussle within Maharashtra's political landscape, highlighting alliances and ideological battles that continue to shape its future direction.