 "MNS-BJP hidden pact in open after support to Munde: NCP")
NCP today said the decision of MNS to support the candidature of BJP leader Gopinath Munde in Beed Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra has exposed the secret pact between the two parties.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said when former BJP President Nitin Gadkari took the initiative to include MNS in the "Mahayuti", Munde had opposed the move.
"Now in a desperate move to save his seat, he has bowed before Raj Thackeray," he said.
"But now the pact is out in the open," he said.
Yesterday, in an unexpected development MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced his party's public support to Munde asking his party workers and voters to ensure his victory from Beed.
Beed, Munde's stronghold in the Marathwada region, under renewed assault by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership, which is making all efforts to defeat the BJP's biggest mass leader in the state, on his home turf is going to polls tomorrow.
MNS backing to Munde assumes significance in the backdrop of the reported tussle between him and Nitin Gadkari in the Maharashtra unit of BJP and also the latter's much talked about meeting with Raj Thackeray, reportedly to persuade MNS against contesting Lok Sabha polls, in order to avoid a division of opposition votes.
However, Raj Thackeray went ahead and announced his party would contest 10 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said when former BJP President Nitin Gadkari took the initiative to include MNS in the "Mahayuti", Munde had opposed the move.
"Now in a desperate move to save his seat, he has bowed before Raj Thackeray," he said.
Also Read
Malik said the "hidden understanding" between MNS and BJP was known for a long time but the pact was never revealed officially because Shiv Sena would not like it.
"But now the pact is out in the open," he said.
Yesterday, in an unexpected development MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced his party's public support to Munde asking his party workers and voters to ensure his victory from Beed.
Beed, Munde's stronghold in the Marathwada region, under renewed assault by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership, which is making all efforts to defeat the BJP's biggest mass leader in the state, on his home turf is going to polls tomorrow.
MNS backing to Munde assumes significance in the backdrop of the reported tussle between him and Nitin Gadkari in the Maharashtra unit of BJP and also the latter's much talked about meeting with Raj Thackeray, reportedly to persuade MNS against contesting Lok Sabha polls, in order to avoid a division of opposition votes.
However, Raj Thackeray went ahead and announced his party would contest 10 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%