BJP keeps pre-poll pact with MNS on hold till seat disputes are resolved

MNS leader and Lok Sabha aspirant Bala Nandgaonkar had told the media, “The meeting between Raj Thackeray and Amit Smit was positive.” Similar sentiments echoed from BJP too. Yet, the BJP-MNS pre-poll alliance has not been officially announced.

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had Saturday admitted, “There is no denying the fact that MNS and BJP leaders had a meeting. In times of elections there are many aspects which are under consideration related to any decision. As of now, I can state that there is no formal decision on BJP-MNS alliance.”

With pulls and pressures within the ruling alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena lead by CM Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the BJP wants to iron out all creases carefully before jumping into partnership.

A BJP source said, “Initially, MNS had sought two Lok Sabha seats. They were keen on South Mumbai and Shirdi.”

In Shirdi, Shiv Sena ( Shinde faction) has announced the candidature of sitting MP Sadashiv Lokhande. In South Mumbai also Shinde and Fadnavis both are fighting for their respective parties.

“Unless these negotiations are complete BJP does not want to make its prepoll partnership with MNS official,” the source added.
The delay in BJP-MNS alliance has comes as a surprise to many in both parties.

Prior to his Delhi visit, Raj Thackeray had held series of meetings with Fadnavis. Those raising questions within political parties were quick to point out how BJP took instant decision regarding Rastriya Samaj Party lead by Mahadev Jankar.

Earlier this week, when Jankar decided to remain with NDA, he was immediately called for a meeting with Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
After the meeting an official statement signed by Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar was issued announcing RSP was going to continue as Mahayuti prepoll ally.

In 2019, Jankar was part of NDA. But over the last years he had expressed unhappiness with BJP. He also held meetings with NCP ( SP) Sharad Pawar in Pune.

However, Jankar abandoned the thoughts of joining Maha Vikas Aghadi and pledged his support to Mahayuti.