Will Uddhav Thackeray's Weakness Lead to Raj Thackeray's MNS Destruction?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Nirupam questions the viability of a Thackeray alliance.
- Uddhav Thackeray's party is perceived as weakened.
- The BMC elections could reshape Maharashtra's political scene.
- Political maneuvers are pivotal in the upcoming civic elections.
- Speculation around MNS and BJP alignment continues to grow.
Mumbai, June 15 (NationPress) Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Sunday refuted the rumors circulating about a potential alliance between the Shiv Sena-UBT and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He emphasized that Uddhav Thackeray's party has become too “weak” and is now seeking refuge in Raj Thackeray's MNS, deeming their collaboration “impossible”.
Political circles are abuzz with talk of a possible alliance between the Thackeray cousins as the vital Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach later this year.
Nirupam stated in an interview with IANS: “I have maintained from the outset that these two brothers (Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray) will not unite. Uddhav Thackeray’s party has severely weakened; his support base has entirely disintegrated.”
“Initially, he thought he could secure his position by partnering with Congress, but Congress has faltered and dropped to just 16 seats. He then considered teaming up with Sharad Pawar for survival, but now Pawar’s party stands at a mere 10 seats,” he elaborated.
Commenting on the latest political maneuverings, Nirupam asserted: “Now, by attempting to ally with a party rooted in the same ideology as Shiv Sena, he risks destroying that party as well.”
This statement comes in light of reports indicating a potential political alignment between MNS and the BJP. Recently, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had a private meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, intensifying speculation.
The meeting lasted nearly an hour and is viewed by political analysts as part of the BJP’s strategy to strengthen its position in the BMC by integrating the MNS into its ranks—either directly or through Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
Neither Fadnavis nor Raj Thackeray made any public comments following the meeting. However, Raj Thackeray subsequently met with MNS office-bearers from Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, further igniting curiosity regarding the party’s forthcoming political strategies.
In the meantime, Shiv Sena-UBT has signaled its openness to a potential alliance with MNS for the BMC elections, keeping the door ajar for political realignment as the civic election approaches.