Ratnagiri | April 30, 2024 : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has made a significant announcement during the Gudhipadwa Mela organized at Shivaji Park. Thackeray declared his support for Prime Minister Modi and the Grand Alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This move comes after Thackeray initially extended unconditional support to Mahayuti. However, despite expectations of vigorous campaigning for Mahayuti candidates across the state, Thackeray has yet to make a single appearance on their platform during the election campaign.
Thackeray is anticipated to soon embark on campaigning for Mahayuti, with his first meeting possibly scheduled in Sindhudurg district. Sources suggest that Thackeray might enter the fray to support BJP candidate Narayan Rane. MNS workers in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurga region have already begun preparations for Rane’s campaign, with a potential meeting led by Thackeray expected on May 4 in Sindhudurga.
A recent meeting organized by MNS in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurga witnessed the absence of Raj Thackeray, prompting expressions of regret from key leaders, including Uday Samant and Narayan Rane. Samant conveyed his desire to hear Thackeray’s speech from the platform, highlighting the significance of his presence in MNS gatherings.Narayan Rane’s departure from Shiv Sena has fueled tensions between him and the Thackeray family. With Rane openly criticizing Uddhav Thackeray and facing rebuttals from the Thackeray group, Raj Thackeray’s potential involvement in Rane’s campaign could provoke strong reactions from both sides, including old Shiv Sainiks. Thackeray’s entry into Rane’s campaign may escalate the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra.
