MNS chief, Raj Thackeray met NCP chief Sharad Pawar before the MNS rally before the Maharashtrian new year, Gudi Padwa. The meeting took place at Pawar’s residence and lasted forty minutes.
Raj Thackeray invited Pawar to attend the rally as well. Thackeray addressed the MNS followers at Shivaji Park on 18th March. The meeting was a courtesy call rather than a political one said Thackeray later. Thackeray said, “There was no political agenda in the meeting with NCP leader Sharad Pawar. I had not visited him after our interview. So I just paid a visit.” The interview had taken place in Pune last month.
Despite the clarification, many believe that the meeting did have a political hint. The idea is that Pawar is trying to line-up an anti-BJP force for the elections in 2019. But an alliance was denied by both NCP and MNS for now. MNS has been facing a setback in the state and is trying to gather up strength, this rally organised is an attempt to gather support for the party.
Shalini Thackeray, MNS general secretary said, “Every Gudi Padwa, we will hold a rally. On this occasion, party president will address the people.” She also said, “The government has made huge promises which have remained on paper. It has not helped people.” This will be the content of the address by party president Raj Thackeray
The MNS has been organising drives and tours to build the party’s strength. While MNS will be conducting its rally on the 18th, Pawar is going to be sharing a platform with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. Maharashtra is gearing up for the upcoming elections in 2019, and with regional parties taking a stand against the BJP, there is much to be expected of the upcoming elections. So far it has been a Congress versus BJP battle, but not for long.