Shiv Sena Shinde To Speak With Raj Thackeray, Not To Contest Independently

MNS President Raj Thackeray has announced that he will contest the upcoming assembly elections independently. This announcement has generated considerable excitement within the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena leader and minister Deepak Kesarkar has expressed confidence that after discussions with Raj Thackeray, he will reconsider his decision.

Raj Thackeray had unconditionally supported the ruling Grand Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. Consequently, it was expected that he would continue to align with the Mahayuti in the upcoming assembly elections. However, he surprised the ruling party on Thursday by announcing his intention to contest the assembly elections independently, stating that the MNS would contest 225 to 250 assembly seats. Following this announcement, Shiv Sena minister Deepak Kesarkar indicated his protest.

Deepak Kesarkar remarked that there is still time before the assembly elections and that all parties have the right to contest all seats. He noted that Raj Thackeray had unconditionally supported the Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha elections and emphasized the good relationship between Raj Thackeray and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kesarkar believes that through discussions, Thackeray’s opinion will change.
Raj Thackeray contesting independently could divide Marathi votes, causing concern for Shivsena Shinde about Thackeray’s move.