Pune : Amid growing political buzz over the possible entry of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into the INDIA alliance, senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and former Pune Mayor Prashant Jagtap has said the bloc would “wholeheartedly welcome” MNS chief Raj Thackeray if he decides to join.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Jagtap said, “If Raj Thackeray joins the INDIA alliance, it would be a welcome step. Not just me; all the leaders in the alliance would support this move.”
He called the possibility of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray joining hands a “positive sign” for Maharashtra’s political future, saying such unity would boost the opposition and send a strong message ahead of upcoming municipal and local body polls.
The INDIA alliance — comprising Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and other like-minded parties — is working to strengthen its base against the BJP in Maharashtra. While Raj Thackeray and the MNS have yet to comment, Jagtap’s statement signals an openness within the alliance to bring in new partners, particularly to consolidate anti-BJP votes in urban strongholds where MNS has notable influence.
