The recent reconciliation between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape. This rapprochement has fueled speculation about Raj Thackeray’s potential involvement in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The news follows the improved relationship between the two brothers. Against the backdrop of intense political activity ahead of local body elections, this development is being closely watched. Congress leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar, Balasaheb Thorat, and Amin Patel, recently met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree. Discussions reportedly focused on the possibility of including the MNS within the MVA framework.
Key topics discussed during the meeting with Congress leaders included potential alliances between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the Congress’s claim on the position of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, and the upcoming Vice President election.
For some time, there has been considerable debate about the possibility of a political alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. The MVA is currently comprised of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, the Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Any decision to add the MNS to the MVA will necessitate consultations with the existing partners.
If Uddhav Thackeray intends to ally with the MNS, he would need to clearly define their role within the MVA. The Congress leaders have indicated a final decision will be reached after consulting with the party leadership in Delhi. Concurrently, the Congress is expected to put forward a claim for the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, with Satej Patil potentially being appointed.
After meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Congress leaders discussed the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Council with the Chairman, Ram Shinde. According to sources, the party is considering nominating senior MLA Satej Patil. This position has been vacant since the conclusion of former LoP Ambadas Danve’s term last month.
Wadettiwar also highlighted the vacancy of the LoP position in the Assembly. He said they plan to meet with Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the matter.
Sources within the Maha Vikas Aghadi suggest that the Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated former minister Bhaskar Jadhav for the LoP post in the Assembly, a nomination yet to be accepted by the Speaker.