Raj Thackeray arrives in Delhi amid speculation of a renewed buzz about a potential MNS-BJP alliance for the Lok Sabha elections.

The MNS’ potential alliance with the BJP has long been on the cards despite Raj Thackeray remaining noncommittal over the issue in his public rallies

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's recent visit to Delhi has fueled speculation about a potential pre-poll alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sources reveal that Thackeray, accompanied by his son and MNS leader Amit Thackeray, made his second trip to the capital in a week to meet with the BJP leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The BJP is also addressing seat-sharing disputes through a core committee meeting, with prominent figures like Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis in attendance.

Although Raj Thackeray has been noncommittal about an alliance in public appearances, the BJP sees potential in leveraging his Marathi-speaking vote base in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik civic bodies, despite the MNS not currently holding any MLA or MP seats in Maharashtra.

The MNS had shown promise in the 2012 elections for Pune and Nashik civic bodies when Raj Thackeray was a significant political figure in Maharashtra. However, internal issues and inconsistent campaigning led to a decline in the party's fortunes, especially after setbacks in the 2014 parliamentary and assembly elections, the 2017 civic election, and the 2019 State and General elections.

After the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election defeat, the MNS shifted towards 'Hindutva' politics, symbolized by adopting a saffron flag with Chhatrapati Shivaji's royal seal or 'Rajmudra' in 2020. This ideological shift brought the MNS closer to the BJP, aiming to capture the 'Hindutva' space from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, which is a common rival of CM Eknath Shinde's faction within Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the MNS.

Between 2022 and 2023, Raj Thackeray raised the issue of loudspeakers playing the azaan from mosques, demanding government action or hinting at MNS intervention if left unresolved. This move underscores the party's positioning within the larger political landscape, particularly regarding cultural and religious identity issues.