Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has arrived in Delhi for a three-day visit, during which he will participate in the INDIA bloc’s key strategy meeting scheduled for Thursday. His visit follows a personal call from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, inviting him to attend the gathering of opposition bloc leaders. During his stay, Thackeray will also visit the new Parliament building to meet Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and interact with the media. He is accompanied by his son, Aaditya Thackeray.
According to party spokesperson Sanjay Raut, the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting is expected to be significant. “Apart from the online meeting held before the monsoon session of Parliament, there has been no formal in-person meeting of INDIA bloc leaders. Therefore, Thursday’s meeting will be crucial to discuss the alliance’s future course and issues like the discrepancies in the voters list,” Raut said.
Thackeray to Dine with Rahul Gandhi, Meet Opposition Leaders
Thackeray is also scheduled to have dinner with Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. During the visit, he is expected to hold one-on-one meetings with several opposition leaders to discuss coordination and alliance dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
Talks on Local-Level Alliance with MNS Likely
Sources suggest that internal discussions may include the possibility of a local-level alliance between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), especially in light of the forthcoming municipal and local body elections in Maharashtra.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against ECI Add to Meeting’s Weight
The INDIA bloc meeting also comes amid heightened political tensions following serious allegations made by Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India (ECI). Gandhi has claimed to possess “strong evidence” indicating that the ECI acted in favor of the ruling party during recent elections.
The ECI, however, has strongly refuted the charges, instructing its officers to disregard such remarks and maintain focus on their constitutional responsibilities.
Thackeray is expected to remain in the national capital until August 8.
