2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Raj Thackeray Explains Meeting Amit Shah, Mentions Eknath Shinde’s Input

The alliance is yet to finalize seat-sharing for the state, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats. Mr Thackeray’s announcement was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Addressing workers from his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, on Gudi Padwa – the Maharashtrian New Year – on Tuesday, Mr Thackeray also spoke about his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah last month, and claimed he was the first person in the country who said Narendra Modi should be Prime Minister.

Pointing out that India has one of the youngest populations in the world, Mr Thackeray said they will need proper education and employment and that “anarchy would spread in the country” if that did not happen. Claiming that this Lok Sabha election is going to decide the future of the country, the MNS chief said Narendra Modi is the best person to lead India at this critical juncture. For that reason, Mr Thackeray said, he had unconditionally decided to support the alliance of the BJP, the faction of the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.

“I don’t have any expectations. When there is a need for strong leadership in the country, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will back the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP unconditionally. It is only for Narendra Modi,” Mr Thackeray said.

While it is not clear whether the MNS will field any candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, Mr Thackeray asked his cadre to prepare for the Assembly elections later this year, indicating that he is hoping for support and a share of seats when they happen. Claiming that he was the first person in the country to say Narendra Modi should be the Prime Minister, Mr Thackeray said he had also opposed him when needed. In a jibe at his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena leader, Mr Thackeray said, “I did not criticize because I was not offered the chief minister’s post.

They are speaking against him (PM Modi) now. Why are you doing it now because you were removed from power and your party was broken?” Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde thanked Mr Thackeray for his support, while Mr Fadnavis also expressed gratitude for the MNS chief’s backing of the alliance.