Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut revealed on October 13, 2025, that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray is keen on aligning with the Congress as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. Raut’s statement has fueled speculation about a potential collaboration between the MNS and the Opposition alliance ahead of the upcoming local body elections in the state.

Raut, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, emphasized that Raj Thackeray supports including the Congress, a key MVA constituent, in any future political strategy. “Even Raj Thackeray desires that the Congress should be taken along. This is his stand,” Raut said, though he clarified that no final decision has been made. He also noted ongoing discussions with top Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, while Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, plans to engage with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

However, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande downplayed Raut’s remarks, asserting that only Raj Thackeray would articulate the party’s official position. “The party’s stand is decided by its chief. No one else speaks for us,” Deshpande stated, dismissing speculation about an imminent MVA alliance. He also clarified that an upcoming meeting of Opposition leaders, including Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, with Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer on October 14, 2025, is unrelated to MVA coalition talks.

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The buzz around a possible MNS-MVA tie-up comes amid reports of reconciliation between the Thackeray cousins, Raj and Uddhav, who have met multiple times in recent months following their parties’ poor performance in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have not officially confirmed an alliance for the civic polls, leaders from both sides have hinted at a potential partnership, raising eyebrows in political circles.

Despite the enthusiasm, a section of Maharashtra Congress leaders has expressed reservations about aligning with the MNS, particularly with the Bihar assembly elections looming. Raut, however, underscored the inclusive nature of state politics, stating, “Everyone has a place in Maharashtra politics, be it Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, NCP (SP), or the Left parties.”

As discussions continue, the prospect of Raj Thackeray joining the MVA could reshape Maharashtra’s Opposition dynamics, potentially challenging the ruling coalition in the upcoming polls. For now, all eyes are on the Thackeray cousins and their next move.

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