Even as the Shiv Sena indicated that it may snap alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming local body elections, Congress too is leaning towards a solitary fight sans the Nationa
Even as the Shiv Sena indicated that it may snap alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming local body elections, Congress too is leaning towards a solitary fight sans the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
According to a Sena insider, the Congress may support his party in Vidarbha and Konkan to erode the NCP’s base in that region. On the other hand, the NCP may buttress BJP endeavours in Western Maharashtra, said sources.
The Sena member on the condition of anonymity said the reason the Congress would possibly support Shiv Sena in Vidarbha and Konkan was because it wanted to ensure an NCP defeat.
MPCC president Ashok Chavan along with Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil met party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday and apprised him of the political situation in the state. “If the NCP does not negotiate properly, the Congress has no option but to contest the local body election solo,” Mr Chavan had said then.
However, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant refuted such possibilities. “The talks between the Congress and NCP is in progress and the final decision on the alliance will be taken at the state president’s level in the upcoming days,” said Mr Sawant.
Another leader of the Congress on the condition of anonymity confirmed it might be possible his party would support Shiv Sena in certain parts of the state, including Western Maharashtra, just so it could ensure NCP candidates’ defeat. “The NCP has betrayed us in every election, including the state Assembly and Legislative Council elections and hence, we want to teach it a lesson,” he said.
NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik on the other hand said the ball was in the Congress’ court. “We don’t want to contest separately, as it will help the BJP and Shiv Sena. However, if the Congress has a hidden agenda to support Shiv Sena, we will take our own path,” said Mr Malik.
An NCP legislator from Western Maharashtra, which is its bastion, said the Congress did not have any base in Western Maharashtra except for in the Sangli district. Their only option is either to support independents or Shiv Sena candidates. “We are ready for such an eventuality,” he said, on the condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Congress and NCP legistlators are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the alliance.
