Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut said former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Harshvardhan Patil switching sides to the Opposition camp is a "good omen" ahead of the Maharashtra polls. The Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and the Congress comprise the Opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

"I welcome Patil's decision to join MVA. It is a good omen. I can assure you there will be a major influx (from the ruling alliance) the moment the Maharashtra polls are declared. People will join MVA constituents in large numbers," Raut stated while speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Monday, October 7.