Mumbai:

The NDA, which is still working towards a seat-sharing deal in the crucial state of Maharashtra despite being 10 days away from the Lok Sabha polls, got a boost from Raj Thackeray’s “unconditional” support to the alliance.

Thackerayshan’s announcement was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Addressing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party workers on the occasion of the New Year in Maharashtra, Mr Thackeray on Tuesday also spoke about his meeting with Home Minister Amit last month Shah’s meeting and claimed that he was the first in the country to say that Narendra Modi should be the Prime Minister.

Thackeray pointed out that India has one of the youngest populations in the world and they need proper education and employment and if this is not done, “anarchy will spread in the country”. The MNS chief claimed that this Lok Sabha election will decide the future of the country and said Narendra Modi is the best person to lead India at this critical moment.

Mr Thackeray said it was for this reason that he had unconditionally decided to support the BJP, the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, the MNS chief’s estranged cousin who had launched a rebellion in 2022. Dhav Thackeray) and Ajit Alliance. The Pawar faction of the NCP.

“I don’t have any expectations. When the country needs strong leadership, Maharashtra Senator will unconditionally support the BJP, Senator Shiv and the NCP. This is just Narendra Modi thing,” Mr. Thackeray said.

While it is unclear whether the MNS will field any candidate for the Lok Sabha polls, Mr Thackeray asked his cadre to prepare for the Assembly elections later this year, signaling his hope of garnering support and a seat when the elections come.

‘what is the problem? ‘

Talking about his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, the 55-year-old said: “What’s the problem with me going to meet the Home Minister? The state’s chief minister told me that we should come together.” Devin Dera Fadnavis also spoke (about this). That’s how I met Amit Shah.”

Thackeray claimed that he was the first person in the country to believe that Narendra Modi should be the prime minister and said he had also opposed him when needed.

“After 2014, I felt that what I heard in (Narendra Modi’s) speeches did not materialize. I was against him, but whenever he did anything good like (abolishing) Article 370, I I welcome it. I also support the National Register of Citizens,” Mr. Thackeray said.

Taking a jibe at his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena Party leader (UBT) and Congress MP Sanjay Raut, Mr Thackeray said: “I have no criticism because I don’t get the chief minister’s position. They (Uddhav Thackeray and Mr. Raut) are speaking “against him (PM Modi) now. When I say this (in 2019), why don’t you resign? Why are you doing this now when you have been ousted and your party is divided? ”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde thanked Mr Thackeray for his support. “I welcome him heartily. Prime Minister Modi supports the Mahayutthi Alliance (as the alliance is called in Maharashtra). Prime Minister Modi has developed the country and taken the country forward,” Press Trust of India Shinde was quoted as saying by the news agency.

Mr. Fadnavis posted in Marathi on I am very grateful to MNS President Shri Raj Thackeray ji for supporting the alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. Let us all resolve to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people!”