Raj Thackeray shuts down Shiv Sena (UBT) blame after MNS poll flop

(From left) Raj Thackeray with Uddhav Thackeray during the Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary in Mumbai. File PIC/ASHISH RAJE

A section of the MNS has blamed alliance partner Shiv Sena (UBT) for the party's poor performance in the recently held BMC elections. However, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has rejected the charge and asked party workers to stop making excuses and instead introspect on their own preparedness.

Raj held a closed-door meeting with senior party leaders and select workers at the MIG Club in Bandra on Monday. According to party insiders, several office-bearers complained that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers did not campaign as expected.

Last year, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray set aside their rivalry and joined hands on issues of Marathi identity and Maharashtra's pride. Under the seat-sharing arrangement, Shiv Sena (UBT) contested 163 seats, while MNS fought 53. Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, the MNS managed to secure only six.

When MNS leaders blamed the alliance partner, Raj came to the defence of his cousin and rejected the argument. "Why blame others? How well were you prepared for the polls?" he reportedly asked.

A senior MNS leader argued that the party did not get seats where it was organisationally strong. Raj, however, dismissed the explanation, asking why the party failed to perform even in 2017 when it had contested independently. Raj has also rubbished the reports of MNS supporting BJP in BMC. "MNS is not going to support the BJP," MNS chief clarified.

‘Focus on real work instead of theatrics'

Raj Thackeray also warned party workers against focusing on theatrics instead of real political work. In a veiled reference to recent incidents involving assaults on non-Marathi-speaking individuals, he said making videos of such acts and sharing them would not benefit the party. He urged workers to strengthen booth-level organisation and reconnect with local civic issues.