Maharashtra Congress Shuts Down Rumors of MNS Joining INDIA Bloc

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal firmly rejected speculations about the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, joining the Opposition’s national-level INDIA bloc. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sapkal emphasized that no formal proposal has been received from the MNS regarding an alliance, effectively quelling rumors about the party’s potential inclusion in the coalition against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The clarification comes amid heightened political speculation, particularly following a recent meeting where MNS president Raj Thackeray joined an Opposition delegation, including leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents—Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (SP)—to address alleged irregularities in the voters’ list with State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam. Sapkal stressed that the delegation’s joint effort was unrelated to any discussions about MNS joining the INDIA bloc, stating, “If such a matter arises, it will be discussed and decided by the INDIA bloc partners.”

The MVA, a state-level alliance of Opposition parties in Maharashtra, does not currently include the MNS. However, political circles are abuzz with speculation about a potential collaboration between Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, especially ahead of the upcoming local body polls, including elections to the Mumbai, Thane, and Pune civic corporations. The cousins, once estranged, have met multiple times in recent months, fueling discussions about a possible formal alliance.

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Sapkal’s statement underscores the INDIA bloc’s cautious approach to expanding its coalition, maintaining that any decision on new alliances will involve thorough deliberation among its current members. As Maharashtra gears up for crucial elections, the political landscape remains dynamic, with the prospect of new alignments continuing to generate significant interest.

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