Raj Thackeray's MNS challenges Sena with new party flag; Shivaji & Hindutva at its core

Ahead of party's mega-rally in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), launched its new 'Saffron' party flag on Thursday. flag has 'Raj Mudra' (stamps) which were used during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's rule. January 23 also marks birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.  

flag launching ceremony was held at NESCO Ground in Mumbai's Goregaon. Raj Thackeray launched flag in presence of his party workers. 

Take a look at flag: 

Changed ideology?

new saffron flag signifies a major shift in party's ideology. Just a few days before rally, MNS carried out new posters and videos of party, hinting towards a major ideological shift to hard Hindutva. posters which have been put across Mumbai have a map of Maharashtra painted in saffron with lines that read 'Thought about ideology of Maharashtra, resolve to create a Hindavi Swaraj’. 

Furr, MNS General Secretary Shalini Thackeray tweeted a video in which Raj Thackeray can be heard making a pitch for Hindavi Swaraj. In ar video, Thackeray can be heard saying that, "A leader from Communist Party, Samajwadi Party, a party following Hindutva ideology or any or party, all of m look up to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as ir ideal." 

Read: Raj vs Uddhav: On Bal Thackeray's birth anniversary MNS, Sena vie for his Hindutva legacy

Read: "Even by descendants of Mughals..,": Fadnavis slams Sanjay Raut over his Shivaji remarks

MNS rally in Mumbai

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will be carrying out a rally in Mumbai on January 23 to mark birth anniversary of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. According to reports, it is likely that Raj Thackeray will make a formal anuncement regarding party's stance after or during rally. 

Read: Mumbai wakes to Raj Thackeray posters before MNS mega-rally; 'Hindavi Swaraj' in focus

Read: Sena leader hits back at MNS on 'Maha-Khichdi' remark, says 'We are bitter Shiv Sainiks'