The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress will not last long as there is lack of unity among the ruling allies, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said on Friday. On COVID-19, he said it was necessary to dispel the fear that people have in mind about the disease. "I can't see this government surviving for a long time...it is not my wish that it should fall. But the government, in which there is no unity (among the ruling partners) and who don't consult each other, will not survive for a long time," Thackeray said.

He made the remarks while speaking during an event organised by a Marathi news channel. When asked about his opinion on wearing a mask during the pandemic, Thackeray said, "It is not required." The MNS leader recalled that the media had asked him questions when he did not wear a mask while attending an all- party meeting convened by the chief minister at Mantralaya in May this year to discuss the COVID-19 situation. "I did not wear a mask then (during the meeting) and never did after that," he said.