Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Thursday said that his party has decided to not contest the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Expressing solidarity with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee, he said that Shiv Sena believes she is the real "Bengal Tigress".

In a tweet, he said that the decision was taken after discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister and Party President Uddhav Thackeray.

"A lot of people are curious to know whether Shivsena is contesting West Bengal Polls or not? So here's the update after discussions with Party President Uddhav ji Thackeray." "All 'M's - Money, Muscle and Media are being used against 'M'amata Didi. Hence, Shivsena has decided not to Contest West Bengal polls & stand in solidarity with her. We wish Mamata Didi a 'roaring' success, 'cos we believe She is the real Bengal Tigress," he added.

pic.twitter.com/enjd4sfiwx

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) March 4, 2021

Earlier in January, the party had announced that it will contest the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are due in April-May this year.

The Sena is in power in Maharashtra along with the NCP and Congress under the aegis of Maha Vikas Aghadi.

(Edited by : Aditi Gautam)

First Published:Mar 4, 2021 1:26 PM IST