MNS's path forward: Raj Thackeray to decide on expanding beyond Marathi pride and alliances soon after consulting party leaders

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is gearing up for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections with renewed energy. The political arena in Maharashtra is dominated by established parties like the Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Competing against these well-entrenched parties requires the MNS to boost its organisational strength and voter outreach significantly.

Raj Thackeray who had declared support for the BJP-led NDA during the Lok Sabha elections has asked his party workers to start preparing for the Maharashtra assembly elections. This comes after Raj Thackeray had campaigned for the NDA though his party had not fielded candidates in the Lok Sabha elections.

So ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, the MNS is focusing on revitalising its grassroots organisation. This includes meeting party workers and Vidhan Sabha heads, listening to constituent concerns, and presenting a clear, actionable vision for the future.

What MNS leaders have to say...

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said, "MNS chief Raj Thackeray has appointed several party leaders to travel across Maharashtra to meet grassroots workers and Vidhan Sabha heads. The purpose is to gather information on the ground reality and identify potential candidates. Once all this data is collected, we will present it to Raj Thackeray."

MNS leader Avinash Jadhav said party leaders are currently travelling across the state to gather data for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

"Our party leaders are currently visiting 35 assembly constituencies. We have formed 22 teams, each consisting of three to four members, to visit different constituencies," added Avinash Jadhav, the district president of Thane and Palghar for MNS.

The MNS, known for its staunch regional and linguistic pride, aims to re-establish its political relevance and make significant inroads into the state's legislative landscape.

"Rather than addressing press conferences, we are currently assessing the ground reality, which will help us for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Neither Mahayuti nor Maha Vikas Aghadi has an upper hand currently. There are many changes in the state political arena and in voting patterns. Therefore, we are visiting different areas of the state to understand the ground reality," said Avinash Jadhav.

When asked if MNS will ally with Mahayuti or NDA, Avinash Jadhav said, "Every decision on alliances will be taken by Raj Thackeray at the right time. If Raj Saheb tells us to contest solo or join an alliance, we will follow his final decision."

Echoing similar sentiments, Sandeep Deshpande said, "In the coming days, Raj Thackeray will decide on alliances. After speaking with party workers and leaders, the MNS chief will make a decision on this."

What experts have to say...

A senior political journalist said MNS has faced electoral setbacks in recent years, which has kind of diminished its influence. "Despite its ambitious plans, the MNS faces several challenges. The party needs to overcome its past electoral setbacks and rebuild trust among the voters. Rebuilding voter trust and confidence is a significant challenge, as the party needs to demonstrate a strong, viable alternative to the existing political options," he said.

"While the MNS's core support base is built on Marathi pride, the party needs to broaden its appeal to other demographic groups. This involves addressing a wider range of issues beyond regional and linguistic identity to attract a diverse electorate," he added.

Political analyst Abhay Deshpande said the first decision they will have to make is whether they will contest the Maharashtra assembly elections alone or with Mahayuti and NDA.

"The MNS did not contest the Lok Sabha elections and supported Mahayuti and NDA, so it looks like they might be a part of Mahayuti. However, seat sharing will not be easy, and MNS might have to sacrifice its traditional seats like Nashik and South Mumbai. Another crucial issue is whether MNS's traditional Marathi voters will vote for BJP. This uncertainty is why the BJP is also in two minds about MNS. Therefore, there may not be a major change in voting patterns if MNS joins Mahayuti," he said.

"They might also have to decide whether to follow their traditional Marathi politics or shift to Hindutva politics for a better long-term relationship with the BJP. MNS will need to ensure their original Marathi voters don't shift to BJP. Additionally, MNS will have to maintain a consistent stance to be taken seriously by voters," Abhay Deshpande said.

The MNS faces significant challenges as it prepares for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. However, with a strategic focus on strengthening its grassroots organisation and forming strategic alliances, the MNS is determined to make a substantial impact. The party's success will depend on its ability to overcome past setbacks, maintain internal cohesion, and broaden its appeal to a diverse voter base. As the elections approach, the MNS's efforts to navigate these challenges and implement its plans will be crucial in shaping its future in Maharashtra's political landscape.