In a significant political development ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik met Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, ‘Matoshree’. During the meeting, Malik pledged his full support to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the opposition alliance comprising Uddhav’s Sena (UBT), Congress, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Malik also vowed to actively campaign for the MVA in the upcoming elections, stating that the BJP would suffer a devastating defeat.
After a half-hour meeting that also included Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and members of the Thackeray family, Malik addressed the media, making a bold prediction: “The BJP will be wiped out, and Uddhav will play a key role in their defeat.” He urged the MVA allies to maintain unity and make electoral adjustments to secure a victory in the state polls.
Malik, who had previously been a key figure in the BJP and was instrumental in the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, has since distanced himself from the party. He has become a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, especially on issues like the Pulwama attack, and his recent remarks about industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. His alignment with the MVA ahead of the elections adds another layer of intrigue to Maharashtra’s political landscape.
On Saturday, Malik predicted that the results of the state elections would mark the “last nail in the coffin” for the BJP, suggesting that the outcome would have nationwide implications. He also hinted that the MVA, strengthened by the opposition bloc INDIA, has a strong chance of forming the next government in Maharashtra.
As the campaign season heats up, Malik’s involvement is expected to further energize the MVA’s efforts to unseat the ruling BJP, while his criticisms are likely to fuel debates on the national political stage.
