Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut hints that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s party can be part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). But both Congress and MNS have dismissed the claim.  On Monday, Raut, while speaking to the media, claimed that the MNS chief is of the opinion that Congress should be part of the alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. “In recent times, I have met Raj Thackeray on several occasions. During the interaction, the MNS chief was of the opinion that elections should be contested as a united MVA front,” Raut mentioned.

However, Raut was quick to clarify that, “This is Raj Thackeray’s thought and not a decision.” This statement created a stir among the political circles, including the Congress and the MNS. Congress leaders did not make any official statement. However, a senior Congress leader, on condition of anonymity, said, “Congress would prefer going solo instead of being part of the alliance where MNS is also one of the allies.” He further said, “This is merely an opinion within a section of Congress leaders. A final call on this would be taken by the high command in Delhi.”