EKNATH SHINDE TOLD ME RAJ THACKERAY ON WHY HE MET

Maharashtra despite the Lok Sabha polls being 10 days away, the NDA has got a boost with Raj Thackeray throwing his weight "unconditionally" behind the alliance.  Mr Thackeray's announcement was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.  Addressing workers from his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, on Gudi Padwa - the Maharashtrian New Year - on Tuesday, Mr Thackeray also spoke about his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah last month, and claimed he was the first person in the country who said Narendra Modi should be Prime Minister.        Pointing out that India has one of the youngest populations in the world, Mr Thackeray said they will need proper education and employment and that "anarchy would spread in the country" if that did not happen. Claiming that this Lok Sabha election is going to decide the future of the country, the MNS chief said Narendra Modi is the best person to lead India at this critical juncture. For that reason, Mr Thackeray said, he had unconditionally decided to support the alliance of the BJP, the faction of the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde - who had staged a rebellion against the MNS chief's estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 - and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.  "I don't have any expectations. When there is a need for a strong leadership in the country, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will back the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP unconditionally. It is only for Narendra Modi," Mr Thackeray said.  While it is not clear whether the MNS will field any candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, Mr Thackeray asked his cadre to prepare for the Assembly elections later this year, indicating that he is hoping for support and a share of seats when they happen.