No dispute between CM Shinde and Ajit Pawar, says Tatkare

“We are working in an alliance government and there is no reason to have dispute within the three leaders at the top. We have read certain news items about this, but I want to state that these are not true,” said Tatkare.

He clarified that the three ruling parties, namely BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP Ajit Pawar group, are yet to even begin seat-sharing talks. “We are holding our two-day study camp between November 30 and December 1. As of now, we have not begun seat-sharing discussions internally. May be after the study camp, we will get clarity and primary talks between the three parties will begin in the first half of January,” he added.

When asked about his group’s leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s aggressive language against Maratha community in the OBC Elgar rally, Tatkare said he is of the opinion that the issue should be resolved amicably. “Bhujbal presented his side as an OBC leader as the rally was of OBC organisations where community’s leaders from all parties were present,” he said.

When asked whether his party supports the stand taken by Bhujbal, Tatkare said his party’s political position is not to affect the OBC reservation while ensuring reservation to Marathas. “The state government is of the firm opinion that Marathas should get reservation which will survive the test of law,” he said.