Will Thackeray-Rane episode strengthen MVA?

In Maharashtra, the political drama between the Shiv Sena and union minister Narain Rane reached its height when the later was arrested and got bail. The political 'bayanbazi' between the two is still going on .

The Thackeray – Rane Incident and Maharashtra Politics

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court on Wednesday, August 25  that it would not take any coercive action against Union Minister Narayan Rane in an FIR registered in Nashik over his controversial remarks  against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. A division bench of Justice S S Shinde and Justice N J Jamadar was hearing a petition filed by Rane which sought to quash FIR  lodged in Nashik and all other cases that may be lodged in future. Rane in his plea, had also sought interim protection from arrest. Senior Counsel Amit Desai , appearing for the state government, said no coercive action would be taken against Rane in the FIR registered in Nashik  till September 17, when the plea would be heard. Rane’s advocate Satish Maneshinde sought protection in all cases that may arise out of the alleged statement. Desai, however said that a blanket statement of protection can not be made as the petition only mentions the Nashik FIR. The court agreed  and posted the matter for hearing on September 17.Rane was later granted bail by a court at Mahad in Raigad district. 

The outcome of this Thackeray -Rane episode has deepened the divide further between Shiv Sena and BJP in public perception and it seems likely that it will strengthen the three party Maha Vikas Agadi coalition. The recent events have also resulted in infusing an enthusiasm and leaders of Shiv Sena. Sanjay Raut , chief spokesperson of the party, said that if anybody tried to run down Shiv Sena and its chief minister , the Saniks would give a befitting reply.

Thackeray meets Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Leader of the Opposition in Assembly Devendra Fadnavis had a closed door meeting on Friday, which led to speculations whether they were looking for some sort of reconcialtion. The meeting was held at Sahayadri guesthouse  after an all-party meeting to discuss the OBC reservation issue. 
Fadnavis told the reporters that he held the discussions with the chief minister after all party meeting and the discussion during their closed door meeting was only about the OBC quota in local governing bodies.  He said Thackeray asked for his cooperation and he responded positively.