Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the latter’s official residence ‘Varsha’ in south Mumbai today, igniting speculation about a potential political alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). The meeting, attended by Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic), focused on addressing the city’s escalating parking issues amid rapid slum redevelopment.

Thackeray highlighted how redevelopment projects have caused a tenfold surge in population density in certain areas, leading to severe parking shortages. Vehicles spilling onto roads have worsened traffic congestion, he noted. Presenting a solution, Thackeray proposed constructing underground parking lots beneath playgrounds, each capable of housing 500 to 1,000 vehicles without affecting open spaces above.

As a pilot project, three such parking facilities are planned—one in the island city and two in the suburbs. Thackeray also advocated for colour-coded footpaths to streamline parking and stricter laws to curb traffic violations. “We need to act on this urgently,” he urged.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, currently in Delhi, downplayed the political angle, stating that Thackeray’s meeting with Fadnavis was not a “political crime.” He suggested Thackeray might have invited the CM for the upcoming Ganesh festival, noting their prior meetings.

The discussion has fueled speculation about a possible MNS-Sena (UBT) alliance, with political circles abuzz over its implications for Maharashtra’s future.

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