The renewed camaraderie between the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, has become a focal point of discussions, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of Raj Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). This development follows the recent improvement in their relationship. The political atmosphere in Maharashtra is charged as the state prepares for 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 deliberate on key issues, including the possibility of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) joining the MVA.
During their meeting, the Congress leaders and Uddhav Thackeray also discussed a possible alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the Congress’s bid for the Leader of Opposition position in the Legislative Council, and the forthcoming Vice-Presidential election.
The prospect of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS forming a political alliance has been a topic of intense discussion. The Maha Vikas Aghadi currently consists of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, the Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Integrating MNS into the MVA would require consensus from the existing coalition partners.
If Uddhav Thackeray is keen on an alliance with MNS, the MNS’s role within the MVA would need to be defined. Congress leaders have stated that they will consult with party leaders in Delhi before making a decision about MNS’s inclusion. In the meantime, the Congress intends to assert its claim for the Leader of Opposition position in the Legislative Council, with Satej Patil being a potential candidate.
Following the meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Congress leaders conferred with Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde to discuss the appointment of the Leader of Opposition. According to sources, the party is expected to put forward the name of senior MLA Satej Patil. This position has been vacant since the end of former LoP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve’s term.
Wadettiwar also noted that the Leader of Opposition position in the Assembly is vacant and that they would be meeting with Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Inside sources from the Maha Vikas Aghadi have indicated that Shiv Sena (UBT) has proposed former minister Bhaskar Jadhav for the Leader of Opposition post in the Assembly, though the Speaker has yet to approve the nomination.