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Fresh plea in SC against ‘unholy alliance’
Mumbai/New Delhi, November 22
There is consensus in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance that Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray should lead the new government in Maharashtra, NCP president Sharad Pawar told the media here on Friday after hectic meetings between the Congress, NCP and their pre-poll allies and a joint meeting of the three parties later.
Emerging from the marathon meeting, held at Nehru Centre in Worli, Pawar said discussions on other issues were in progress. “The issue of leadership is settled.There is consensus on Uddhav Thackeray leading the new government,” he said, adding that leaders of the three parties would continue their meeting tomorrow to give finishing touches to the alliance before announcing the details at a press meet. Congress’Prithviraj Chavan said the talks had remained inconclusive on certain issues and these would be sorted out tomorrow. According to sources, leaders of the Congress and the NCP are divided on portfolios with the Sena besides the constitution of a 12-member coordination committee to oversee the functioning of the government. Senior leaders of the three parties would be part of the committee with the CM consulting them regularly.
Uddhav told the media that the talks were satisfactory. “The future of Maharashtra has been decided.” He refused to comment whether he would take over as Chief Minister.
NCP leader Jayant Patil said leaders of all three parties would hold a joint press conference on Saturday where details of government formation would be shared with the media. Sources said leaders of the three parties would meet the Governor on Saturday to stake claim to form the next government.
Sena MP Sanjay Raut said his party would not side with the BJP, even if offered Lord Indra’s throne. “The time for offers has lapsed.” — TNS/PTI
Won’t last long
Opportunism is the basis of their alliance. Even if they form government in Maharashtra, it will not last beyond six to eight months. — Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister
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