Maharashtra CM Proposes Alliance with Uddhav Thackeray Amid Political Shifts

Political Proposal from Maharashtra's Chief Minister

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has extended an invitation to Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray to consider joining the ruling NDA coalition. While addressing the Legislative Council, Fadnavis made a light-hearted yet pointed remark, stating that there is no room for sitting in opposition until 2029. He suggested that if Thackeray wishes to join the ruling side, it could be contemplated, albeit through a unique decision-making process. This comment was made while discussing the outgoing opposition leader, Ambadas Danve, who is affiliated with Thackeray's faction of Shiv Sena. Fadnavis praised Danve's core ideology, asserting that regardless of his position, whether in power or opposition, his true beliefs are rooted in Hindutva.

Significance of the Proposal in Maharashtra's Political Landscape

The direct offer made by Fadnavis is viewed as a significant political move in the evolving landscape of Maharashtra, especially following a recent meeting with Uddhav Thackeray. This statement comes just months ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, which are currently under the control of Uddhav's faction of Shiv Sena (UBT). In the previous elections, the seat distribution between BJP and Shiv Sena was nearly equal. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray has recently opposed the state government's initiative to make Hindi a mandatory language in Maharashtra's schools, alongside his cousin Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). This collaboration marks a display of unity after nearly two decades of political rivalry, although ideological differences persist. The aggressive stance of MNS against North Indian communities has left Shiv Sena uneasy, raising doubts about any lasting political alliance between the two parties.

Raj Thackeray's Stance on Alliance with Uddhav

In the meantime, Raj Thackeray, the head of MNS, refrained from commenting on any potential alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and claimed that certain statements attributed to him by parts of the media were misrepresented. He stated on X that if he wished to make a political statement, he would do so through a press conference. Thackeray mentioned that his party had organized a conference for select officials in Igatpuri, Nashik, on July 14 and 15, where he engaged in informal discussions with journalists.