Kalmadi to launch state-level front

PUNE, MARCH 11: Pune Vikas Aghadi PVA founder Suresh Kalmadi, who lost the Lok Sabha election against Congress nominee Vitthal Tupe in Pune, is now planning to float a Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi with the help of disgruntled Congress leaders.

Addressing a meeting of PVA workers here on Tuesday, Kalmadi said he would soon embark on an 8220;extensive tour8221; of Maharashtra before formally setting up the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. A number of Independent MLAs and a section of Congress leaders had already approached him with suggestions to set up a state-level Vikas Aghadi, Kalmadi said.

He went on to launch a blistering attack on one-time political mentor Sharad Pawar for 8220;ignoring and side-tracking8221; those who had supported and stood by him during his 8220;critical period8221;.