Sanjay Shirsat
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday (June 12, 2025) urged Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to join the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, a statement that came shortly after Mr. Raj met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
The meeting, held at a hotel earlier in the day, triggered fresh speculation about a possible tie-up between the BJP and the MNS ahead of the crucial civic elections. It also came amid ongoing buzz about a possible reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins — Mr. Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT).
“Politics is full of surprises and U-turns. Nothing is predictable. Such alliances are often necessary to strengthen and expand a party. We had extended an offer to Raj saheb earlier as well. Considering his influence, he is well-positioned to contest the civic polls. We would once again request him to join Mahayuti,” Mr. Shirsat said.
The Mahayuti coalition comprises the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT), a fierce critic of the BJP, responded cautiously to the Fadnavis-Raj meeting. “The meeting could have been for many reasons. Around 90 to 95% of workers from both parties believe there should be an alliance between us (Sena-UBT and MNS). But it’s too early to draw conclusions,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar.
Published – June 12, 2025 10:22 pm IST