MNS chief’s Gujarat tour is seen as field work for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai.
What is the purpose behind Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s high-profile visit to Gujarat? This is the biggest unanswered question doing the rounds in political circles today. If highly placed sources in the MNS are to be believed, this tour is part of Thackeray’s field work for the upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai.
Thackeray, however, has repeatedly claimed that the tour does not have any political agenda. He believes that the purpose behind the tour is to witness Gujarat’s development and the money spent is an investment by the MNS.
“When Raj Thackeray established MNS in Maharashtra, he announced that his party will prepare a blueprint for development in the state. Now, with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections round the corner, Thackeray’s priority is addressing urban voters, especially in Mumbai,” said sources.
On this tour (of Gujarat), he and members of his delegation are observing urban development projects in different cities and how state and local authorities have executed them without any major controversies, sources added.
Mumbai municipal elections are important for all political parties in Maharashtra as the megapolis is the power centre not only in the state, but for the country as well.
“Thackeray’s team is studying the methodology behind successful execution of urban projects (Sabarmati Riverfront Development, BRTS Janmarg, Kankaria Lake Front Development) in Ahmedabad. The observations might reflect in MNS’s blueprint for development that may be announced at the time of the elections,” added sources.
Moreover, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, which already has tied up with Shiv Sena in the state, is busy striking a balance between the political parties run by both the Thackerays.
Speaking on this matter, sources said, “Facilitating Raj Thackeray’s visit in Gujarat, BJP wants to equalise the balance in Maharashtra. BJP has lost significant ground in the state after Pramod Mahajan’s death. The party does not want to depend completely on Shiv Sena and bow down to it. It may maintain equally good relations with Raj Thackeray’s MNS as well.”
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