For Opp unity, Nitish, Tejashwi meet Uddhav, Pawar in Mumbai

“Right now the task is to unite all the parties. It is important to work together to save democracy. After looking at the condition of the country, it seems if we work together, there will be support for the alternative,” said Pawar.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav met Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav met Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai on Thursday as part of their effort to strengthen the Opposition unity against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

“We want maximum [Opposition] parties of the country to come together and fight [against the BJP]. The way the party at the Centre is working and things are happening, history is changing… They have controlled the media and are pressuring the media. There has to be unity among all religions… We want all [Opposition parties] to unite. We are meeting everyone. Once it is done, we will decide on a joint meeting of all the Opposition parties of the country,” Nitish said at a press conference after meeting Uddhav at his residence in Bandra.

Nitish Kumar , Tejasvi Yadav at Uddhav Thackeray’s residence on Thursday afternoon. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

He later met Pawar at his house in south Mumbai.

“Right now the task is to unite all the parties. It is important to work together to save democracy. After looking at the condition of the country, it seems if we work together, there will be support for the alternative,” said Pawar.

The NCP chief said these discussions are part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). “We all have been together and we are bringing in more parties and groups.”

Nitish said they are trying hard to form a larger coalition. “We will discuss it with all the stakeholders and can give it a new name,” he said.

Also Read | Tejashwi by his side, Nitish meets Soren, takes dig at BJP: Is vikas taking place?

Asked if Pawar will be the main face of the Opposition alliance, Nitish said, “There will be nothing more delightful than that. I have told him that he has to work with more vigour not only for his party but for the entire country.”

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Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi have been meeting Opposition leaders across the country to bring them together ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, the BJP in Bihar on Thursday slammed Nitish over his meeting with UBT Sena chief Uddhav and reminded the former of the Shiv Sena’s alleged excesses against Hindi-speaking migrants.

Also Read | Mallikarjun Kharge sticks to unity pitch: ‘Spoken to Nitish, Stalin, Uddhav… want to bring together Oppn’

State BJP chief Samrat Choudhary accused the CM of having “appeared in the court (darbar mein haazir hue)” of Thackeray, referring to the JD(U) leader’s visit to his house.

“Nitish Kumar runs his JD(U) like a fiefdom. It is true for all regional parties. A reason why he also takes along, on his excursions, the crown prince,” said Choudhary, referring to Tejashwi, who visited Mumbai with the CM.

(With PTI inputs)

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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