Earlier, MNS chief had declared his unconditional support for the ruling Mahayuti alliance

The CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded former Thane mayor Naresh Mhaske as its candidate for the Thane Lok Sabha seat

Mhaske will compete against incumbent MP Rajan Vichare from the Shiv Sena (UBT)

The party has declared Shrikant Shinde, son of CM Eknath Shinde, as its candidate for the Kalyan Lok Sabha seat

Shrikant Shinde's nomination for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 was previously announced by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, representing the ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar

Thane holds significance for CM Shinde, who represents the Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly constituency in the area

Raj Thackeray had earlier, during his party's annual Gudi Padwa speech at Shivaji Park in Mumbai said, "I declare my support to the development led by PM Modi

It was speculated that MNS may contest Lok Sabha elections, however, Raj Thackeray has clarified that his party is not contesting the general elections and appealed his supporters to be prepare for Maharashtra state assembly elections