Thackeray-Pawar meeting: Discussed matters to ensure MVA works unitedly, says NCP chief

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole too on Wednesday clarified that the MVA stands united and speculations about a rift in the alliance held no truth. “The meeting between Pawar and Thackeray was between two leaders of the MVA. What is wrong in it? Reports claiming a rift in the MVA are misleading. The leaders continue to discuss issues between themselves and the MVA has coordination,” he said, adding that the BJP wants to make the MVA’s April 16 public rally in Nagpur a failure.

“The NCP chief said all the three parties might have their own agenda and their own plans and policies, but when they go before the people as MVA leaders, they need to speak in one voice and one language. If we place forth our differing views before the people, they will get confused and it will be bad publicity for the MVA,” Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut told The Indian Express.

Raut added that Pawar is likely to attend one of the rallies being organised by the MVA across the state ahead of the elections. “The very first rally of the MVA in Aurangabad drew a huge response. On April 16, there will be a second rally in Nagpur. On May 1, NCP chief Sharad Pawar is expected to address an MVA rally in Pune,” he said.

Amid differences of opinion between the MVA allies on a number of issues, Thackeray called on Pawar on Tuesday evening at his residence Silver Oak in South Mumbai.