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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray arrived in New Delhi on Monday, March 18, to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, signaling a potential alliance between MNS and the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections set to commence on April 19.

Reports suggest that Raj Thackeray is eyeing three seats in Maharashtra, including Southern Mumbai, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Notably, Mumbai holds significance as it is a stronghold of the Shiv Sena faction led by Raj Thackeray's estranged cousin, Uddhav Thackeray.

Having parted ways with the Shiv Sena due to internal differences, Raj Thackeray's MNS has been striving to establish its foothold in Maharashtra's political landscape. Despite his charismatic oratory skills and a considerable following, MNS's impact has been limited.

While Raj Thackeray seeks to contest on three Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, sources hint at the possibility of the MNS being allocated two seats instead.

Responding to queries regarding MNS's potential alliance with the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition, Raj Thackeray remained non-committal, stating, "I don't know what my schedule is yet. I was just told to come to Delhi. Let's see."

Confirming MNS's entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold in Maharashtra, BJP leader Pravin Darekar affirmed that seat-sharing discussions were underway. "With leaders joining us, the stature of the alliance will only rise... Seat-sharing will happen properly, and BJP will perform well in the state," Darekar stated.

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be conducted in seven phases, beginning on April 19 and concluding on June 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in effect from March 16, following the Election Commission's announcement, political parties are gearing up for a rigorous electoral battle in Maharashtra and across the nation.