MUMBAI: In a significant development, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar announced plans to discuss potential support for Amit Thackeray, the son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who is contesting from the Mahim constituency. This will mark Amit Thackeray’s inaugural entry into electoral politics. Shelar’s statement reflects a strategic alliance, particularly as the MNS prepares to contest the November 20 elections independently after having previously backed the Mahayuti alliance during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.
Speaking on the collaboration, Shelar emphasized the need for maintaining good relations with the MNS, especially given Raj Thackeray’s unwavering stance on Hindutva. He stated, “If Raj Thackeray supports us, then we ought to maintain our relations with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).” Shelar plans to confer with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar about formalizing this support.
The MNS has already announced candidates for 45 constituencies across Mumbai, Thane, and other regions, signaling its serious intent for the upcoming elections. This marks a crucial moment for the party as it seeks to regain influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Amit Thackeray’s candidacy has generated buzz, with supporters rallying behind the younger Thackeray’s potential to reinvigorate the party’s image.
In a related vein, Shelar criticized the Uddhav Thackeray-led UBT (United Bhartiya Thackeray) faction, highlighting the perceived betrayal of allies and asserting that the Congress party’s ambitions to secure over 100 seats have dwindled to approximately 90. “A party that does not think of anyone but themselves is UBT,” Shelar remarked, alluding to the disunity among the opposition.
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Moreover, the BJP has positioned itself firmly against Nawab Malik, who is entangled in legal issues related to alleged connections with organized crime. Shelar declared that BJP workers will not support Malik’s candidacy, stating, “Whether or not to announce his candidacy will be up to his party leaders to decide.” This stance underscores the BJP’s commitment to distancing itself from controversial figures.
