Raj Thackeray Declares MNS Will Go Solo In Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray announced on Thursday that his party will contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections independently. "We plan to fight for 200 to 250 seats in the state elections," Thackeray stated. He is the cousin of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

In response to MNS's announcement, NCP (SCP) leader Jitendra Awhad commented, "Even Raj Thackeray's family members can't predict his next move. He seems to take on various roles, much like his love for films."

Earlier this week, MNS leader Prakash Mahajan suggested that the party might contest 200-225 seats in the state assembly polls, expected to be held in October. Mahajan confirmed that the decision was made by Thackeray and that party workers are fully prepared.

The MNS has also expressed its stance against caste-based reservations, advocating for benefits based on financial criteria instead.

It is worth noting that during the recent Lok Sabha elections, the MNS supported the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the NCP headed by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.