BJP promises support to MNS's Amit Raj Thackeray in Mahim, but seeks Shiv Sena's backing

THANE: BJP MLC Pravin Darekar on Tuesday stated that his party would support the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its candidate, Amit Raj Thackeray, for the Mahim assembly seat. However, Darekar clarified that the BJP's backing will depend upon the support of its ally, Shiv Sena, and the endorsement of Sena's candidate, Sada Sarvankar.

Darekar made these remarks while responding to a media query in Thane, a day after an understanding over the Mahim seat failed to materialise.

Raj Thackeray's son, Amit, is contesting against Shiv Sena's sitting MLA, Sada Sarvankar.

While the BJP has extended its support to Amit, the Shiv Sena, led by chief minister Eknath Shinde, did not withdraw its nomination, leading to an impasse.

"Our leader Devendra Fadnavis mentioned on Monday that our efforts are not over yet. We have extended support to Amit, but this can only move forward if the Shiv Sena also backs him. If the decision is taken unanimously by Mahayuti (the alliance), it will send a strong message," Darekar said.

He emphasised that the BJP would continue its efforts to persuade the Shiv Sena to support Amit Thackeray.

Political observers noted that the BJP seemed to have strategically shifted the responsibility of gaining Shiv Sena's support to its ally, ensuring that it avoids any potential fallout with Raj Thackeray, who had supported the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.

Darekar also targeted the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, saying that the upcoming Maharashtra elections were a choice between a government focused on development (Mahayuti) and one that had created roadblocks (MVA). He criticized the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government for stalling several key projects during its tenure.

In the ongoing political rivalry, Darekar defended chief minister Eknath Shinde, who has been at odds with Uddhav Thackeray.

He claimed that Shinde was the rightful heir to the Shiv Sena party and its symbol, asserting that Shinde had successfully continued the legacy of the late Balasaheb Thackeray.