The BJP has initiated contact with Raj Thackeray

Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is striving to broaden the multi-party coalition known as Maha Yuti and has once again approached Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Raj Thackeray, the nephew of the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and cousin of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, has reportedly been approached by the BJP. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar met Raj at his residence, Shivtirth, in Shivaji Park, Dadar, sparking speculations.

Given MNS's alignment with Hindutva ideology and its focus on the welfare of the Marathi people, the BJP sees potential for an alliance.

Ashish Shelar mentioned that they frequently meet as politicians and friends. Raj Thackeray, when asked, reserved his comments for a later time.

Raj has maintained a good relationship with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, as well as with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and Ajit Pawar of the NCP, key constituents of Maha Yuti.

Raj Thackeray broke away from his uncle's Shiv Sena in 2005-06 due to differences with his cousin Uddhav, forming the MNS. Initially, he admired Narendra Modi but later became a vocal critic. However, after the split between Shiv Sena and BJP, he shifted focus towards Hindutva and Marathi issues.

The other parties in the BJP-led Maha Yuti coalition include the Republic Party of India (Athawale) led by Ramdas Athawale, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi led by Hitendra Thakur, the Prahar Janshakti Party led by Bachchu Kadu, the People's Republican Party led by Prof Jogendra Kawade, the Rayat Kranti Sanghatana led by Sadabhau Khot, the Jansurajya Party led by Vinay Kore, and the Rashtriya Samaj Party led by Mahadev Jankar.