MNS may disclose poll plans next week

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who is still holding his cards close to his chest, is likely to disclose his party’s strategy for the Lok Sabha elections on Monday. All party workers have been called to Mumbai on Tuesday, March 19, when he is expected to make the “big announcement”.

In the programme arranged for the 13th foundation day, Mr Thackeray had told his party workers that he would make an announcement for the LS elections very soon. He also asked them to start working for elections.

After his appeal, there was enthusiasm in party workers. Sources from the party said that the announcement will be made on Tuesday, March 19, when all party workers gather for the meeting. Before that, leaders and spokespersons are avoiding talking to the media.

It is said that Me Thackeray will announce three seats from his party for the upcoming LS elections. In the same programme, the party’s strategy for the election will be declared. The MNS may contest from Nashik, Kalyan and Northeast Mumbai as it has some hold on these constituencies. As no seat has been offered to MNS by the NCP, Mr Thackeray has decided to contest the LS polls to keep up the excitement among party workers.

Before the official announcement, there is a candidates’ list which has gone viral among MNS party workers and supporters. The names of Abhijeet Panase from Thane, Bala Nandgao-nkar (Shivadi), Nitin Nandgaonkar (North east), Raju Patil (Kalyan), and Avinash Jadhav (Palghar) have been suggested for elections.