MNS makes debut in Maharashtra Assembly

Raj Thackeray-led MNS on Thursday made its debut in the Maharashtra Assembly bagging two of the 60 seats decided till noon.

The party, which made a deep dent in the Shiv Sena vote bank, was leading in 14 other seats in the 288-member House.

MNS candidate Mangesh Sangale won from Vikhroli in suburban Mumbai, defeating NCP rival Pallavi Patil, wife of NCP MP Sanjay Patil, who was elected from Mumbai North-East.

Former cricketer Vinod Kambli was also contesting from Vikhroli from Lok Bharati party.

Another MNS candidate Ramesh Wanjale from Khadakwasla constituency in Pune district defeated BJP's Murlidhar Mohol and Vikas Dangat of Congress.

MNS was formed three years ago by Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's estranged nephew.

Out of the results declared so far, 32 have gone to the ruling Cong-NCP alliance and 17 to main opposition BJP-Shiv Sena combine.