Congress leaders discussed the potential alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS with Thackeray, the Congress’s claim on the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, and the Vice President election.

For some time now, there have been intensive discussions about a political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Therefore, if a party like MNS is to be included in this Maha Vikas Aghadi, discussions with the other constituent parties will be necessary.

If Uddhav Thackeray wants to form an alliance with MNS, he will also have to clarify his role in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Congress leaders have also stated that a decision on whether or not the Congress agrees to include MNS will be taken after talking to party leaders in Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress will stake a claim on the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, and there is a possibility of Satej Patil being appointed.

Following their meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Congress leaders discussed the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Council with the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Ram Shinde. According to sources, the party is going to propose the name of senior MLA Satej Patil. This position has been vacant since the term of former LoP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve ended last month.

Wadettiwar said, “This is not just the post of the Council, the post of LoP in the Assembly is also vacant. This also needs to be filled and we will also meet Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.”

According to insiders in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Shiv Sena (UBT) has given the name of former minister Bhaskar Jadhav for the LoP post in the Assembly, which has not yet been accepted by the Speaker.

Speaking to the media, Raj Thackeray questioned the rationale behind the meat ban on Independence Day. He stated that he had instructed his people to eat whatever they desire, without any restrictions.

Thackeray emphasized that the government should not dictate dietary choices. He stated that the government is taking away people’s freedom on Independence Day, further questioning the government’s intentions and its right to regulate individual food choices. Thackeray satirized the government and the municipal corporation, asserting that they should not dictate what people eat.

Thackeray responded directly, stating, “A BJP MP said, ‘Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge’…You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge” (We will drown you in the sea of Mumbai). This statement reflects the escalating tensions surrounding language-based disputes.

At a public meeting in Mumbai, Thackeray emphasized that he did not intend to spark a language-based controversy. He added, “Beware, anything can happen with you. I am a Hindu but Hindi cannot be imposed on me. If anyone has a right over this region, it is we (Marathis). You are the sons of Maharashtra, others have come from outside. If someone comes here and does something a little too much, then beat them up.”

Meanwhile, Nishikant Dubey has stood by his controversial statements. He stated, “I am saying this again, I stand by my statements. This nation is diverse, and all its people have a strong affection for their region…If Maharashtra is a part of this country, then anyone can be settled anywhere in this country…But they beat up those who are Hindi language speakers…Even today, only 31-32% Marathi speakers live in Mumbai…I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”