Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Raj Thackeray 's MNS in talks to join NDA, seeks South Mumbai seat from BJP

Sources indicate that Raj Thackeray 's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is likely to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before the Lok Sabha elections. Discussions regarding this alliance are in the final stages.

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Seat Demand

Raj Thackeray, the MNS chief, has put forward a demand for the South Mumbai seat for his party. It is reported that the MNS will only join the NDA if they are granted at least one seat in the upcoming elections.

Sources

According to sources, "Raj Thackeray may join NDA. The discussion of Raj Thackeray joining NDA is in the final stages. MNS President demanding to give MNS candidate for South Mumbai seat. The name of Rahul Narvekar from BJP is already being discussed on this seat. There is no decision from BJP yet on Raj Thackeray's demand. Raj Thackeray will join NDA only after getting at least one seat. Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray had declared Arvind Sawant as the party candidate from South Mumbai."

Ideological Alignment

Both the MNS and BJP are aligned with the Hindutva ideology, making them potential coalition partners. The MNS has a considerable presence in Mumbai, typically securing around 7 to 8 percent of the votes in elections. If the NDA successfully brings Raj Thackeray's party onboard, it could bolster BJP's standing in the capital city.

Current Alliance

The ruling alliance in Maharashtra includes BJP, Shiv Sena (under Eknath Shinde's group), and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar's group).

Upcoming Announcement

The schedule for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 is set to be announced by the Election Commission on Saturday at 3 pm.

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