Raj Thackeray Announces Candidates for Upcoming Maharashtra Elections

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has announced candidates for two assembly seats ahead of state elections. He also held discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on housing issues. MNS plans to contest 200-250 seats independently, with the elections scheduled for later this year.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday released the names of candidates for two assembly seats for the upcoming state elections. Bala Nandgaonkar is set to run from the Shivadi Assembly constituency in Mumbai, while Dilip Dhotre will compete from Pandharpur.

On August 3, Thackeray met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss various public issues and multiple housing projects. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the meeting addressed the redevelopment of the BDD chawl, the police housing colony, and other significant housing projects. Several senior government officials were also in attendance.

Previously, on July 25, Thackeray expressed his intention to contest independently in 200 to 250 seats in the forthcoming assembly elections. In the 2019 election, the MNS secured only one seat. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, the MNS extended its support to the BJP.

The outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls has invigorated the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. The Shiv Sena (UBT) secured seven seats, the Congress 13, and the NCP-SP one, bringing the alliance's total to 17 seats. Elections for the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly are set to occur later this year, although the Election Commission of India has yet to announce the specific dates.

(With inputs from agencies.)