NCP (SP) bolsters inclusion of MNS; Cong still reluctant

Political equations ahead of the upcoming BMC elections are shifting quickly. While an alliance between the Thackeray brothers now seems almost certain, the Congress continues to oppose joining hands with the MNS, signalling it may contest the polls independently unless its terms are accepted. Sources also indicate that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is in favour of bringing the MNS into the MVA alliance.

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar

Recently, a delegation of Mumbai Congress leaders met Pawar at his residence to discuss the BMC elections. During the meeting, Pawar is said to have questioned the Congress leadership's contradictory stand, saying, “If the party was willing to join the MNS during the morcha against alleged vote theft and errors in the voters’ list, why was it unwilling to contest the civic elections to