Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in a surprising move on Sunday opt out of the Lok Sabha Polls slated for April-May this year. The announcement of not contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls was made by the official statement released by the party yesterday. However, the statement does not mention any reason behind the move.
A MNS Leader familiar with the schedule of Raj Thackeray said that he will reveal the reason behind not contesting General elections in a rally that he will address on Tuesday in Bandra. Thackeray is also expected to clear his stand about supporting INC–NCP Alliance in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issues statement saying it has decided not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2019
His decision not to contest the Lok Sabha Polls came days after he had held deliberations with NCP’s Ajit Pawar that remains inconclusive. Reportedly, Congress’ Ashok Chavan said there is no place for MNS in Maharastra Opposition Parties Alliance. Ashok Chavan says, ‘No Entry for Raj Thackeray’s MNS’ in Opposition Alliance in Maharashtra
MNS, who is known for its strong anti-North Indian stand after failed to get a single seat from the NCP-Congress Alliance announced the decision. However, the party has not able to win a Lok Sabha Seat ever.
MNS exit from Lok Sabha Polls came days after its lone Lawmaker in Maharashtra Sharad Sonavane joined Uddhav Thackeray‘s Shiv Sena. Sonavane was the only MLA from MNS that managed to won his seat in 2014 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
General Elections are slated for April-May this year that would spread on Seven Phases starting from April 11 to May 19. Election Commission had on Sunday declared schedule for General Elections 2019.
Maharashtra has a total of 48 Lok Sabha seats, Second highest after Uttar Pradesh. In 2014 General Elections, BJP-Shiv Sena led NDA won 41 Lok Sabha Seats. While Congress was reduced to just 6 Parliamentary seats.
Both NCP-Congress in a run-up to the elections has started declaring Candidates. While BJP and Shiv Sena’s first lot of Candidates are yet to be released.
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