Raj urges MNS workers to prepare for polls without word on alliance
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
(MNS) chief
Raj Thackeray
instructed party workers statewide to commence preparations for the upcoming local body elections without giving any indication of a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT).
On Tuesday, he held a closed-door meeting with senior party functionaries from various regions to strategise for the elections.
Despite widespread speculation following his appearance at a grand victory rally in Mumbai alongside Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, sources within the party said Raj Thackeray directed the functionaries to await his decision regarding alliances. Instead, the MNS chief emphasised the need to prepare for the election from the booth level and to sustain focus on the Marathi issue.
He attempted to assess the functionaries' sentiments regarding a possible alliance, with most expressing enthusiasm for a collaboration with Sena (UBT). Some functionaries indicated the MNS chief might withhold final decisions at this stage, potentially allowing Mahayuti politicians to interfere.
The meeting, attended by 120 select party functionaries from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur, took place at a hotel in Igatpuri. Raj Thackeray briefed the attendees on potential challenges during the election campaign. Additionally, he took note of the ongoing protests by tribal ashramshala teachers at the Tribal Commissioner's office in Nashik. A delegation of these teachers is expected to meet him in Mumbai on July 17.
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