Raj Thackeray Claims Amit Shah Is Preparing for 2029 as BJP Faces Internal Turmoil

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday claimed that internal conflict within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified and that the party appears united only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He alleged that the growing internal discord could erupt at any time and that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is already preparing for the 2029 general elections through a strategy of strengthening allied parties and political defections.

Addressing an MNS workers' convention organised to guide party cadres on the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra, Thackeray alleged that Shah's political moves are aimed at securing support from alliance partners in the event of opposition within the BJP in the future.

Thackeray further accused the BJP of pursuing a broader political agenda through the SIR campaign. He alleged that efforts are underway to weaken the state-run power distribution company, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), and eventually hand over electricity distribution to Adani Group. He also claimed that new controversies involving the Jain community were being created to distract political parties while the BJP advances its electoral objectives.

Referring to recent political developments, Thackeray alleged that the shift of six Members of Parliament from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) led by Uddhav Thackeray to the faction headed by Eknath Shinde was part of Shah's long-term political strategy. According to him, Shah is strengthening BJP allies while preparing for a larger role in national politics and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Calling on party workers to remain vigilant, Thackeray said the current political environment is unpredictable and urged MNS members to actively participate in the voter list revision exercise. He instructed workers to closely monitor electoral rolls and ensure that genuine voters are not removed from the lists.

Allegations Over Mahavitaran IPO

Thackeray also raised concerns about the proposed initial public offering (IPO) of Mahavitaran. He questioned a recent central assessment report that allegedly awarded the company only 1.5 percent marks, arguing that such ratings could discourage investors. He claimed the move was intended to tarnish the company's image, cause the IPO to fail, and eventually pave the way for electricity distribution to be transferred to the Adani Group.

Remarks on Jain-Marathi Row

Commenting on the ongoing controversy involving the Jain community and Marathi groups over white road markings and related issues in Mumbai, Thackeray criticised certain Jain religious leaders. While stating that he respects all religions and acknowledging that many Jain monks perform commendable social work, he warned against creating unnecessary disputes for political purposes.

He said that symbols and actions perceived as disrespectful to Maratha heritage would not be tolerated and cautioned that if such controversies continue to be stirred up, Marathi people would strongly oppose them. Thackeray maintained that his party does not seek conflict but would take to the streets if provoked by what he described as deliberate attempts to create divisions.