Party not a 'mitra mandal': MNS

Raj Thackeray to announce political agenda tomorrow

Amid speculations on his next move after top BJP leaders met him, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will announce his political strategy for the Lok Sabha elections tomorrow on the occasion of the party's 8th foundation day.

"We are a political party and all elections are important to us. MNS is not some 'mitra mandal'," party vice president Vageesh Saraswat said.

Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari, Leader of opposition Vinod Tawde and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar have met Raj over the last few days requesting for abstaining from Lok Sabha polls in return for help in Assembly elections to be held later this year as well as support of his 12 MLAs to BJP candidates in the Legislative Council polls scheduled for March 20.

Saraswat said BJP leaders have stated the purpose of their meetings with Raj Thackeray to the media.

"Raj Saheb will announce what decision he has taken about the BJP proposals tommorrow," he added.

Saraswat said Raj Thackeray had discussed pros and cons of what strategy the party should adopt for the elections with all senior leaders and office-bearers.

"He will announce his decision tommorrow," Saraswat said.

In 2009, MNS had contested 12 Lok Sabha seats including all in Mumbai, Thane as well as the Nashik and Pune Lok sabha seat polling more than one lakh votes in each of the constituency.

In the assembly elections, the party won 13 seats.