Details regarding the topics discussed remain unclear, as both the BJP and MNS have opted for secrecy, leaving many in Maharashtra surprised. This unexpected gathering comes amidst rising speculation about a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and the MNS for upcoming local civic and municipal elections.

Later in the day, Raj Thackeray held a meeting with MNS leaders at his residence in Dadar West, inviting city chiefs and deputy chiefs from Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar. He urged his party members to refrain from discussing his conversation with Fadnavis. The meeting also included a review of the current political landscape and potential implications of a possible alliance with the BJP.
MNS sources suggest several reasons why Thackeray might be leaning towards a BJP alliance. One significant factor is that such a partnership could reshape political dynamics not just in Mumbai, but also in Thane, Nashik, and Pune, potentially granting the MNS additional seats and strength.
Additionally, aligning with the BJP could provide long-term benefits for the MNS. In contrast, a partnership with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena might yield fewer advantages due to the latter’s numerical superiority in various municipal corporations, apart from Mumbai and Thane.
While all three factions—the MNS and both Shiv Sena groups—trace their roots back to the late Balasaheb Thackeray, calculations suggest that the MNS stands to gain more by partnering with the BJP, rather than being a subordinate player in an alliance with Uddhav or Eknath Shinde’s factions.
Senior MNS leaders, including Sandeep Deshpande, have met with Raj Thackeray at his residence. Prior to this, Deshpande and Amey Khopkar attempted to meet with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde but were unsuccessful.
Earlier on Thursday, during the meeting between Fadnavis and Thackeray, Sanjay Raut spoke about the potential for collaboration between Raj and Uddhav. When asked whether Uddhav’s Shiv Sena would partner with the MVA or the MNS for the upcoming elections, Raut stated that Uddhav would provide clarity soon, emphasizing the need to consider local sentiments.
Responding to the Fadnavis-Thackeray meeting, NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remarked that discussions between various political leaders are common in Maharashtra, as promoted by the late Yashwantrao Chavan. He suggested that such meetings do not warrant deep interpretations.
Sanjay Shirsat, from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, commented on the unpredictable nature of politics, suggesting that alliances are formed to strengthen parties. He reiterated that Thackeray should consider joining the BJP-led coalition.
Kishori Pednekar, former mayor and Shiv Sena leader, expressed caution about jumping to conclusions regarding the Fadnavis-Thackeray meeting. She highlighted that a recent survey showed strong support among youth for collaboration between Raj and Uddhav.
Sushma Andhare, another Shiv Sena leader, noted that Raj had previously stated he prioritizes Maharashtra’s interests over personal ego. She reiterated that the MNS is free to make its own decisions regarding alliances.
Rohit Pawar, an NCP MLA, commented on public expectations for a Thackeray alliance, questioning whether the MNS positioned itself to negotiate with the BJP amidst a prevailing atmosphere of potential collaboration.