Mumbai

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut recently criticized MNS President Raj Thackeray’s sudden decision to support the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. Raut questioned what could have changed within a month for Thackeray to back Devendra Fadnavis as the next CM, hinting at possible pressure from central agencies like the ED and CBI. He mocked Thackeray’s confidence in Mahayuti’s victory, predicting the BJP may struggle to win even 50 seats, while the MNS might gain 150 if it joins the government.

Raut further questioned Thackeray’s shift in allegiance, recalling his earlier statements where he called supporting Fadnavis or Union Home Minister Amit Shah an insult to Maharashtra. Thackeray had even opposed allowing Prime Minister Modi and Shah into the state, considering them enemies of the Marathis. Now, Raut asked, What has changed?

This criticism comes as Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, enters his first election from Mahim, facing tough competition from SS (UBT)’s Mahesh Sawant and Shiv Sena’s Sadanand Sarvankar. In Worli, Aditya Thackeray faces candidates from MNS and SS, adding intrigue to the election. Speculation is mounting over potential last-minute developments before the withdrawal deadline on November 4, as Raj Thackeray’s shifting alliances continue to stir the political landscape.