Raj Thackeray Denies Supporting BJP In BMC

Thackeray held a meeting with MNS office-bearers at the MIG Club in Bandra on Monday. When asked if they would be forming an alliance with the BJP in the BMC, Raj Thackeray replied in the negative. When asked again, Thackeray categorically said, “I’m telling you, I will not go with the BJP.”

His remarks came on the backdrop of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale expressing the possibility that MNS may support the Mahayuti coalition in the BMC. Shewale said that they have no objection if Raj Thackeray supports the Mahayuti. “If the MNS is supporting the Mahayuti in Mumbai, then it is welcome,” he stated.

Senior MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande also said, “We have not had any such discussions with the BJP. There is no question of giving any such support.”

In the 227-member BMC House, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena Shinde faction won 29 seats. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena secured 65 seats, while the MNS won six seats. While the BJP does not have a majority on its own, its coalition with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has a simple majority in the BMC, which will help them to win the mayoral election.

However, the elections in various statutory committees and ward committees are expected to be closely contested, where adjustments with other parties may be required. This has given a rise to the talks of BJP seeking support from smaller parties.

On Monday, newly elected corporators of the BJP and Shiv Sena Shinde faction met at the BMC headquarters. While the BJP announced Ganesh Khankar as its group leader, the Shinde Sena has named Amey Ghole to lead the party.