The recent Gudi Padwa rally in Shivaji Park, Mumbai added another twist to Maharashtra politics. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray declared his unconditional support for the ruling alliance, particularly emphasising his backing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This announcement caught many off guard, as there were expectations that Raj Thackeray would nominate an MNS candidate in the Lok Sabha elections and align with the Mahayuti alliance.

The Mahayuti has not yet announced a candidate for Mumbai South, leading to high speculation that this prominent seat might be contested by the MNS. Raj Thackeray`s meetings with Union Minister Amit Shah and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis fuelled speculations that, with BJP`s support, the MNS could indeed field its candidate.