MNS President Raj Thackeray on Tuesday alleged that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena could not be a part of Mahayuti because of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Raj Thackeray had called a meeting to discuss the party's plans for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections that could be held this year. His party colleagues at the time said that the BJP was ready for an alliance but the then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was not. Therefore, MNS could not become a partner in the Mahayuti.
Shiv Sena's candidate Sada Saravankar did not withdraw from Mahim Assembly Constituency and the relationship between Raj Thackeray and the Mahayuti deteriorated. MNS candidates said that BJP did not help at all in the seats where they expected help. Many say that the understanding with the BJP did not help and even Amit Thackeray did not get full support in Mahim's seat. Many MNS leaders wanted an alliance with Mahayuti.
The meeting was held at Shivtirtha, Raj Thackeray's residence in Shivaji Park. MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said, "Rajsaheb Thackeray said that he wants new reforms and new appointments in the party, so that enthusiasm increases."
Reacting to this, Shiv Sena deputy leader Kiran Pavaskar said, “The MNS should first decide what they want. They have beaten Biharis. Will the BJP digest this?