Raj Thackeray and Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra political crisis: Amidst the political uproar in Maharashtra, there are reports that Shiv Sena's rebel leader Eknath Shinde has spoken to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over the phone. Shinde and a sizable number of MLAs rebelled against the leadership of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on June 21 and are currently in Guwahati in Assam. Their main demand is that the Sena withdraws from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which also comprises the Congress and NCP.
MNS has confirmed, that Shinde enquired about Raj Thackeray's health over the phone. However, sources also say that Shinde has discussed the political developments of Maharashtra with Raj Thackeray. MNS also agreed with Shinde actions. It is worth noting that Aditya Thackeray recently made a statement regarding a possible merger of rebel MLAs with the MNS.
According to sources, Bala Nandgaonkar has been made in charge of MNS. One of the last rebel MLAs, Dilip Lande, left for Guwahati after speaking with Nandgaonkar. It is also being reported that Nandgaonkar facilitated Raj Thackeray and Eknath Shinde's conversation.
MNS has given a direct message to the rebel MLAs including Eknath Shinde, that they are welcome into its fold.
