Cong-BJP plot to check NCP rise 8212; Bhujbal

MUMBAI, SEPT 10: Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal today alleged that there was a pact between Congress and Shiv Sena to ...

MUMBAI, SEPT 10: Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal today alleged that there was a pact between Congress and Shiv Sena to halt NCP from wresting power from the Sena-BJP alliance.

Since NCP is all set to wrest power, the Shiv Sena and the Congress are making all efforts to stall the NCP march. This was evident from the fact that in several important constituencies, the Congress has not put up its candidates against the Shiv Sena to ensure a straight fight between NCP and Congress. They will not succeed in their designs,8217; Bhujbal said at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh.

Bhujbal said, tired of rampant corruption everywhere and also following threats of extortions, the electorate will outrightly reject the Sena-BJP alliance. I am sure, we will get a clear majority. Except our electoral partners, we will not require any one8217;s help to form the government,8217; he added.

On the possibility of gain for the Sena-BJP owing to imminent split in Congress votes, Bhujbal said, though there is a vertical split in the Congress, there was no division of votes, since, the leaders capable of securing votes have joined the NCP. Congress workers at the grassroot level have expressed faith in the leadership of Sharad Pawar and hence, there will be no split in NCP votes,8217; Bhujbal said.

On the poll survey predicting clear majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bhujbal said it was a just a BJP strategy. I do not think that BJP will be able to form the government at the Centre, neither is the Sena-BJP alliance in a position to retain power.8217;

Citing reports reaching here from Renapur, Bhujbal said, even Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde is in deep trouble and chances of his getting re-elected to the Assembly are remote. I doubt if Munde will be elected. The general opinion in the township is against him,8217; he said.

On the new chief minister of NCP, Bhujbal said it will be decided by the NCP legislature party. It will be a totally democratic process. There will be no imposition of the Chief Minister by the high command as was the practice in the Congress,8217; he said.