Sanjay Raut Hints at Possible MNS Role in Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi Ahead of Maharashtra Local Body Polls

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday indicated that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) could play a part in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for the upcoming local body elections in the state. Speaking to reporters, Raut also referred to Raj Thackeray’s opinion that Congress should be included in any opposition strategy, though he clarified that no formal decision has been made yet. “Even Raj Thackeray desires that the Congress should be taken along. But this does not mean any decision has been taken on this,” he said.

Raut added that he has held discussions with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and is planning a meeting with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, while Uddhav Thackeray is expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Some state Congress leaders, however, have expressed reservations about working with the MNS, especially ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Despite the differences, Raut emphasized that every party, including MNS, NCP, Left parties, and Shiv Sena (UBT), continues to play an important role in Maharashtra politics.

He also highlighted that an opposition delegation, including Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar, is set to meet the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra on Tuesday to discuss election-related matters. The meeting signals growing coordination among opposition leaders, who have met at least six times over the past few months following their parties’ disappointing performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.