Mumbai : Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s expose regarding his telephonic conversation regarding alliance with Shiv Sena chief uddhav Thackeray has put candidates from both the parties in a state of confusion.
In many constituencies, at least in Mumbai, Shiv Sena and MNS candidates are principal contestants. But, the possibility of a post poll alliance, as was inferred from Raj’s statement, has put them in a fix as to how they should pursue their campaign ahead.
“The expose has come at a time when there are very few days left for voting, which might be detrimental to the party,” a senior MNS worker said. “If Shiv Sena and MNS wanted to come together, they should have done it earlier. Had they done it earlier it would have benefited everybody. But, at a time when voting is just round the corner, making a statement like this might have an adverse effect,” a senior MNS legislature who is once again in the fray told FPJ on conditions of anonymity.
Another senior MNS legislature said, “Balasaheb tried his level best to bring the warring brother together, but they did not budge. They (Raj and Uddhav) criticised everybody who tried to bring them together. With this background, if they are talking of coming together again just a few days ahead of elections, they should have given a thought to what effect it will have on the voters.”
Shiv Sena candidate from Kandivali said, “With the expose of Raj Thackeray, people should now vote for me instead of the MNS candidate who is anyway going to lose the election.” His rival, MNS candidate Akhilesh Chaube reacted sharply claiming that he is sure of his victory.
All the senior Shiv Sena leaders avoided commenting on the issue. “I shall not speak on the issue. Uddhav shall speak (on the issue) whenever he feels it is appropriate,” Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi told FPJ.
