Raj should clarify ideology to join anti-BJP front: Thakre

Senior Congress leader Manikrao Thakre has said the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) must clarify its ideology and stand on various issues before it makes any move to join an ‘anti-BJP’ front.

Last Sunday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray called for a ‘Modi-mukt Bharat’ by 2019, setting off speculation about his political moves ahead of the next general elections and possibility of joining the Congress-led opposition bloc.

The regional outfit, whose foundation is rooted in the ‘sons-of-the-soil’ agenda, has said a party’s stand needs to change as per the prevailing political situation.

Manikrao Thakre, a former state Congress chief, said ever since Raj Thackeray formed his own party 12 years ago after leaving the Shiv Sena, there has been no consistency in his political stand.

“He will have to clarify whether he espouses a national perspective or wants to stick to the regional agenda and anti-migrant stance.”

“Even though he is critical of the BJP and the Shiv Sena, his ideology is no different from the two saffron partners,” said Thakre, who is now Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.

Any move to get a place in the “Congress-led anti-BJP front” can materialise only if he clarifies his ideology, he said.

On speculation about NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackeray coming closer, Thakre avoided a direct reply and said only the Maratha strongman can speak on this issue.

He said there is a need for all Republican Party factions to come together.

Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade, Rajendra Gavai and Ramdas Athawale (a BJP ally), who head different factions of the Dalit party, should not go separate ways, he opined.

“They should come together in the interest of the

nation to oppose the BJP's ideology,” Thakre said.

MNS spokesman Vageesh Saraswat said there can be no consistency in a political party's stand.