Maharashtra seems to be the most unpredicted state in a run-up to the Lok Sabha Polls 2019 which are around the corner. The Latest meeting between MNS Raj Thackeray meet up with NCP‘s Ajit Pawar sparked a new political buzz with MNS may join NCP alliance most importantly an anti-BJP front.
NCP leader Ajit Pawar meeting with MNS chief Raj Thackeray came a day after Ajit Pawar advocated a tie-up with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the Lok Sabha elections 2019
Pawar later told reporters that the decision on alliance with the MNS would be taken by the “senior leadership” of the NCP and Congress. In Maharashtra, both NCP and Congress also closed to pack the deal for Lok Sabha.
The meeting between Pawar and the MNS chief, who have in the past engaged in verbal sparring, lasted for about one and a half hours, NCP Insiders claimed.
Earlier this week on Tuesday, Ajit Pawar pitched for an alliance with the MNS to ensure there is no division of votes as opposition parties take on the ruling BJP–Shiv Sena combine. He said Wednesday that he met Raj Thackeray as he wanted all anti-BJP parties to come together.
However, he was quick to add that the final decision on alliance with the MNS will be taken by the senior leadership of the Congress and NCP.
The issue of forging an alliance with the MNS would be discussed at the meeting of NCP leaders Thursday, Pawar said to PTI.
According to sources in the NCP, the party is willing to leave the Kalyan seat from its quota for the MNS.
A Congress leader who wished not to be named told media that there were differences over the inclusion of MNS in the alliance between the Congress and NCP. “Though the party (MNS) has tried to make amends (for its past anti-migrant stand) by organizing gatherings of the North Indian community, there are misgivings,” he said.
The Congress and NCP are at present busy stitching together a coalition of opposition parties in Maharashtra, which sends 48 MPs to the Lok Sabha, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh’s 80.
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