Satyapal Malik meets Uddhav Thackeray, predicts BJP’s decimation in Maharashtra

Speaking after his meeting with Mr. Thackeray, the former J&K governor expressed confidence that the MVA will emerge victorious and claimed the ruling BJP would be “wiped out” in the state elections. He urged the MVA allies — Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) — to make adjustments and stay united for the assembly polls.

“The BJP will not just receive a major blow, but the party will be wiped out in the state elections. Uddhav Thackeray will play the most important role in this election,” Mr. Malik said.

Talking about his meeting with the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Mr. Malik said they had a cursory discussion about the (opposition) INDIA bloc. “But I assured them that the MVA will form the government in Maharashtra. As per my information, the BJP is losing,” he said.

“I have extended my full support to the MVA. I will also campaign for it," the last governor of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir said

Earlier, Mr. Malik had said that the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra will significantly influence the political landscape of the country and it will be the “last nail in BJP’s coffin”.

Though the Election Commission of India had not announced the dates of Maharashtra Assembly election, the term of the current assembly ends on November 26. Therefore, the elections are expected to be held in November.

Elections in Maharashtra will be a battle of alliances i.e. ‘Mahayuti’ comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and BJP against the MVA, consisting of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress. Besides the two big alliances, Raj Thackeray-led MNS, Prakash Ambedkar’s VBA, AIMIM and several local outfits with influence in a district or two can also play a decisive role in the election.