Mumbai (The Hindu): In his desperate attempt to grab attention in the political developments ahead of the civic polls, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday opened the door for an electoral alliance.

Mr. Thackeray had been maintaining his position to fight all elections on his own, ruling out chances of joining hands either with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray or any other party.

Talking to reporters at his residence in Dadar, Mr. Thackeray said his party will consider if any party comes up with a proposal. Neither the Sena nor the BJP commented on the MNS chief’s statement.

Prior to Assembly polls in 2014, there were rumours about both Thackeray brothers coming together. But all the speculations were put to rest when Mr. Thackeray allegedly refused to reply to an offer from the Sena chief.

The MNS chief’s statement comes at a time when the Sena and the BJP are yet to finalise their alliance. According to sources in the BJP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a party meeting held on Monday night was of the opinion to form an alliance with the Sena. Sources said the talks between the parties will begin shortly.

On the other hand, the Sena has chosen not to make any comment. “The identical plan of the BJP worked during the Assembly elections as discussions went on till the last day of filing nominations. We see a similar pattern now,” said a senior Sena Minister, adding only the Sena chief could speak on the alliance.