The recent rapprochement between the Thackeray cousins in Maharashtra has sparked significant political speculation. With Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray mending their relationship, the focus now shifts to the potential inclusion of Raj Thackeray’s party in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. This development comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in anticipation of the upcoming local body elections. Congress leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar, Balasaheb Thorat, and Amin Patel, met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree, to discuss this very prospect. Discussions reportedly included the integration of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into the MVA.
The Congress delegation, along with Uddhav Thackeray, also covered potential alliances between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the Congress’s claim to the Leader of Opposition position in the Legislative Council, and the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections.
For weeks, the prospect of an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS has been a subject of intense political debate. The Maha Vikas Aghadi is currently composed of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, the Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Any decision to incorporate a party like the MNS into this coalition would necessitate thorough consultations with the existing alliance partners.
Should Uddhav Thackeray seek to forge an alliance with the MNS, he would need to clarify the MNS’s role within the MVA. Congress leaders have indicated that a final decision on the matter will be made following consultations with party leadership in Delhi. Simultaneously, the Congress is expected to stake a claim for the Leader of Opposition position in the Legislative Council, with Satej Patil potentially being nominated.
Following their meeting, Congress leaders also addressed the appointment of a Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council with its chairman, Ram Shinde. Sources suggest that the party is likely to propose the name of senior MLA Satej Patil. The position has been vacant since the end of former LoP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve’s term last month.
Wadettiwar stated that the Leader of Opposition post in the Assembly is also vacant. They will meet with Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address this.
Inside sources within the Maha Vikas Aghadi indicate that Shiv Sena (UBT) has proposed former minister Bhaskar Jadhav for the LoP position in the Assembly, though the Speaker has yet to approve the nomination.