Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Bala Nandgaonkar on Thursday indicated that his party is moving closer to forging an alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), though he clarified that Congress and MNS remain ideologically apart. He added that the final call on any alliance will be taken by the party’s high command.

The remarks came a day after a crucial meeting between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. Soon after, Raj convened a strategy session with senior leaders including Bala Nandgaonkar, Nitin Sardesai, Sandeep Deshpande, Yashwant Killedar and Kunal Mainkar to chalk out poll preparations. “We see both brothers coming together in spirit. Today’s meeting was about election readiness and appointing leaders at the local level,” Nandgaonkar explained.

On the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, a party insider revealed that MNS is planning to field candidates in 90–95 seats. However, discussions on seat-sharing with Shiv Sena (UBT) have not yet begun.

Responding to speculation about Raj Thackeray attending Shiv Sena (UBT)’s traditional Dussehra rally, Nandgaonkar said, “They have their own tradition, we have ours. We celebrate Gudi Padwa, they observe Dussehra. Both platforms put forward their thoughts separately. No invitation has been extended so far.”

Since Shiv Sena (UBT) is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance with Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Nandgaonkar suggested that Congress may not be aligned with any potential tie-up involving MNS. “This is a matter of ideology and policy. Nothing is final yet, and the high command will decide,” he remarked.