With no support from Sena, MNS prepares to sit in Oppn at Nashik

With Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray ruling out support to his estranged nephew and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to rule the Nashik municipal corporation, the latter is now preparing to sit in the opposition.

With Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray ruling out support to his estranged nephew and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to rule the Nashik municipal corporation, the latter is now preparing to sit in the opposition.

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“We have got the verdict and other parties should support us. The mayor should be from our party. But if they still insist on denying us our right, we are prepared to sit in the Opposition,” said Nashik legislator Vasant Gite. Gite said the party also stood second in 37 constituencies.

“Currently the MNS chief is holding talks with all the concerned parties,” he added.

MNS is also in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which did not have an alliance with the Sena in Nashik. But the Sena chief has reportedly asked the BJP not to support his nephew.

Currently, the MNS is holding the largest number of seats — 40 in the 122-member house. The MNS wants to showcase Nashik as a model city and hence is making all efforts to gain power.

According to MNS leader Nitin Sardesai, the final decision will be out in some days. “Our leader will make the announcement at an appropriate time in some days,” said Sardesai.

Nashik guardian minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who is also a staunch opponent of Raj, had met Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale last week. Bhujbal said the NCP would support RPI’s mayor and wanted him to garner support his alliance partners Sena-BJP for the same.

Currently, the MNS is supporting the Sena in both Ambernath and Aurangabad municipal civic bodies. “We may have to rethink our support if the Sena adopts such a stubborn attitude,” said an MNS leader who does not wish to be named.