The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has thrown a wrench into the plans of the Shiv Sena-led alliance in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency by expressing strong opposition to the Sena’s shortlisted candidates. The MNS has voiced its objections to Sanjay Nirupam, who recently left the Congress, and Ravindra Waikar, both of whom are being considered by the Sena for the constituency.
MNS support could be crucial in Mumbai North West, where 37.2% of voters are Marathi speakers. Thackeray had recently announced his unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and revealed that the Sena-BJP had offered the MNS one or two Lok Sabha seats. However, the offer came with the condition that the MNS candidate would have to contest on the Sena’s symbol, a proposal that Thackeray rejected.
MNS leader Shalini Thackeray issued a warning through social media, cautioning the Mahayuti against fielding Waikar or Nirupam. She stated that the MNS and its supporters would not support these candidates. She further criticized the Sena for not having enough candidates and relying on leaders from other parties. She emphasized that the MNS would not accept any conditions and would never agree to contest on the Shiv Sena symbol.
The MNS’s objections to Waikar stem from allegations that he is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate for constructing a luxury hotel on a plot reserved for sports and entertainment. The party also holds that Nirupam is anti-Marathi. Amidst these objections, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has announced Amol Kirtikar’s candidature for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat, while the Mahayuti has yet to finalize its candidate. The incumbent MP, Gajanan Kirtikar, who was elected on a Shiv Sena (undivided) ticket in 2019, has since shifted his loyalty to Shinde.
