In Maharashtra, the Thackeray brothers recently reconciled. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have improved their relationship. Following this, discussions are now underway regarding whether Raj Thackeray might join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The political climate is highly charged in Maharashtra due to the upcoming local body elections. Amidst this, Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Balasaheb Thorat, and Amin Patel met with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree residence on Monday. It is believed that the inclusion or exclusion of MNS in the Maha Vikas Aghadi was also discussed during this meeting.
Congress leaders discussed the potential alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS with Thackeray, the Congress’s claim on the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, and the Vice President election.
For some time now, there have been intensive discussions about a political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Therefore, if a party like MNS is to be included in this Maha Vikas Aghadi, discussions with the other constituent parties will be necessary.
If Uddhav Thackeray wants to form an alliance with MNS, he will also have to clarify his role in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Congress leaders have also stated that a decision on whether or not the Congress agrees to include MNS will be taken after talking to party leaders in Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress will stake a claim on the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, and there is a possibility of Satej Patil being appointed.
Following their meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Congress leaders discussed the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Council with the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Ram Shinde. According to sources, the party is going to propose the name of senior MLA Satej Patil. This position has been vacant since the term of former LoP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve ended last month.
Wadettiwar said, “This is not just the post of the Council, the post of LoP in the Assembly is also vacant. This also needs to be filled and we will also meet Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.”
According to insiders in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Shiv Sena (UBT) has given the name of former minister Bhaskar Jadhav for the LoP post in the Assembly, which has not yet been accepted by the Speaker.