Would the paradigm shift salvage Raj Thackeray and MNS? leaves political thinkers divided

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is poised for a paradigm shift and so is the politics in the state. After trying almost all the tricks in the book, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has decided to take yet another plunge. This time, in what appears from the party’s new flag, it would be going the complete Hindutva way.

The decision has created ripples in political circles of the state. While Raj Thackeray and his followers are elated with the change in stand, the political thinkers are divided on the outcome of the move. Raj Thackeray will unveil his party’s new flag and future course of action at the ceremony to mark the birth anniversary of late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray in Mumbai on January 23.

The event has already triggered lot of thinking among political parties. “In my opinion, this is the last frantic attempt by Raj Thackeray to keep him and his party relevant. He will be redundant very soon,” said a senior Congress leader who did not wish to be named. On the other hand, senior political analyst Swati Torsekar feels that Raj Thackeray and MNS can gain lost ground. “MNS will occupy Shiv Sena’s core Hindutva constituency which the later has lost due to alliance with Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP),” Torsekar says.

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According to her, there is a strong feeling of betrayal among Shiv Sena cadre due to alliance. “Not all of them would react in haste. The cadre is confused due to sudden change of stand due to which they have become highly vulnerable. “The core voters of Shiv Sena are definitely unhappy at this point. They are at cross roads now. They will in most probabilities, shift to MNS if Raj Thackeray takes up hardcore Hindutva as his party line like his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray,” Torsekar says.

Senior journalist Abhay Deshpande says, Raj is walking the footsteps of his uncle. Late Balasaheb Thackeray too, had changed tracks to the larger issue of Hindutva in the 90s. “Changed political equations in the state can be an added advantage for Raj to appropriate Shiv Sena vote bank. While, MNS’ direct alliance with BJP is doubtful, the former will definitely be complementary to the later in years to come. This will help BJP to make a difference in Assembly elections as Raj has considerable support in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Thane where there are 100 Assembly seats,” Deshpande said.

NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase feels that whatever stand Raj Thackeray takes, would not impact the politics of the state in any manner. “Raj Thackeray who is known for changing positions cannot make any impact on the politics. Being an artist at heart, Raj Thackeray should have been innovative when it comes to the politics,” Tapase said.