Pune: MNS Leader Vasant More Resigns Amid Intra-Party Turmoil, Sparks Speculation on His Increasing Social Media Influence

Pune: Yesterday, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) veteran leader and three-time corporator of the Pune Municipal Corporation, Vasant More, tendered his resignation from the party, citing intra-party dirty politics at the city level. However, More’s departure from the party ranks has ignited discussions, with some speculating that his soaring popularity on social media platforms may have played a decisive role in his decision.

Renowned for his social media presence, More’s distinct style, characterised by numerous posts, reels showcasing his social endeavours, and a plethora of photographs alongside party workers, has garnered him widespread acclaim among the masses. His online engagement has amassed lakhs of likes and thousands of shares, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Pune’s political landscape.

Having remained a staunch MNS activist since the party’s inception, More enjoyed a close association with party chief Raj Thackeray, earning recognition as his trusted lieutenant in Pune over the past 25 years. However, tensions reportedly arose between More and the party leadership, stemming from disparities over More’s burgeoning social media influence.

Rumours abound that differences in opinion between More and Thackeray surfaced when the latter issued a cautionary directive to party workers regarding the cautious use of social media platforms. While publicly conveyed as a general message, it was widely perceived at the city level as a direct warning to More. Subsequently, More relinquished his role as the party’s city president, alleging deliberate attempts by certain quarters to spread falsehoods about his dismissal from the party.

Amidst allegations of a premeditated conspiracy orchestrated by his own party members, More publicly aired his grievances during a party meeting, accusing detractors of harbouring jealousy towards his social media popularity. The impasse was temporarily resolved following Thackeray’s intervention, where he assured to address More’s grievances. However, tensions resurfaced when More publicly opposed Thackeray’s stance on loudspeakers at mosques, asserting the importance of considering constituents’ opinions alongside party loyalty.

After that, once again, speculation against him intensified when banners depicting More as a prospective Member of Parliament for Pune emerged across the city, fuelling rumours of his candidature for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Despite local party officials’ persuasion against contesting, More persisted, alleging internal opposition and a lack of party support for his endeavours.

However, distressed by increasing harassment from party officials, More tendered his resignation to Party President Raj Thackeray by writing an emotional post on Facebook. Though he has not yet revealed his future political trajectory, given his assertive demeanour and widespread popularity, observers anticipate significant developments from him in the coming time.