Shiv Sena (UBT) likely to go solo in Maharashtra polls: Sources

After contesting the Lok Sabha polls as a key member of the Opposition INDIA bloc, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is exploring the possibilities of going solo in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, sources said on Friday.

The Shiv Sen (UBT) has also initiated a screening process to select candidates for the assembly polls in the state.

On Wednesday, June 12, in a meeting at Sena Bhavan, Uddhav Thackeray also asked all his ‘Sampark Pramukhs’ (communication chiefs) across the state to submit a report on what will happen if the party decides to go solo in the assembly, or contest as an ally of the INDIA bloc.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha



polls, the Opposition INDIA bloc came out as the dominant force by winning 30 seats, while NDA managed to secure victory on 17 seats. An independent candidate also won one seat in the western state.

Uddhav Thackeray has sought a report on whether the office-bearers of his party's candidate and the candidate of the alliance party worked together in the Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which announced unconditional support to NDA in the Lok Sabha polls, has announced to contest 200 to 225 seats in the assembly polls.

The assembly elections for the 288 seats of Maharashtra are likely to be held later this year.