Mumbai: Signs of a possible political realignment are once again emerging in Maharashtra. A recent statement by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut has intensified political speculation. Raut claimed that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are in direct communication.
The statement has sparked discussion in political circles over whether Raj Thackeray could eventually become part of the opposition INDIA alliance.
Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Sanjay Raut was asked whether Raj Thackeray was emerging as a prominent opposition voice and whether he could be included in the INDIA alliance.
Responding to the question, Raut said there was direct communication between Raj Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi. He added that opposition parties across the country remain in constant contact with one another.
According to Raut, the ongoing opposition campaign over issues concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls reflects this coordination among opposition parties.
Raut clarified that the immediate focus of the opposition parties is to formulate a strategy regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and the controversy surrounding the SIR process.
He said Raj Thackeray’s inclusion in the INDIA alliance was not on the agenda of the current meeting, although political developments in the future could lead to further discussions.
Raut also said that Uddhav Thackeray and some other leaders participated in the meeting via video conference because of preparations for a major protest planned in Mumbai.
During a joint press conference involving the Thackeray cousins in Mumbai, journalists questioned Raj Thackeray about Raut’s remarks.
Raut, who was present at the press conference, intervened and clarified that he was referring to communication among opposition parties over issues related to the SIR process and the Election Commission.
Raj Thackeray looked towards Raut and nodded in response.
Amid growing opposition criticism of the Election Commission and the SIR process, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS have joined forces for a major protest in Mumbai on October 4.
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have announced that their parties will jointly lead the protest march against the Election Commission. Other political parties have also been invited to participate.
The growing coordination between the two Thackeray-led parties, along with Raut’s remarks about communication between Raj Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi, has added a new dimension to Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.
