In a surprising move, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut called on Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday at his residence in South Mumbai. Following this move, a wave of speculation was created hinting towards the formation of an alternative government in the state.
The meeting was seen as a crucial event since the Shiv Sena and Bhartiya Janta Party has been involved in a tussle over power-sharing. The Mahayuti alliance– Shiv Sena and BJP have been locked in a dispute over the post of Chief Minister. Shiv Sena is pushing for implementing the 50:50 formula, according to which the CM post will be shared between the two parties on a rotational basis, while BJP is willing to retain only Devendra Fadnavis as CM.
Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut Meets Sharad Pawar Amid Tension With Ally BJP – NDTV https://t.co/wKCcVwua8t
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) October 31, 2019
However, Sanjay Raut denied any news of political rumors and said that the meeting was just a “courtesy call”. Speaking to News18, he said, “It isn’t unusual for me to meet Mr. Pawar. I meet him often. We discussed the current political scenario in the state, among other things”.
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar at his residence today. I had come to wish him on the occasion of Diwali. We also discussed the politics in Maharashtra. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/AUuxC5WIRu
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2019
On being asked about the Shiv Sena easing up on its demands, Sanjay Raut said all such news is false. He added, “This is the public, which knows everything. Whatever will was decided (between BJP and Sena), will happen“.
Speaking further on the delay of government formation, he said, “I can’t comment on government formation, Uddhav sahib will have the final word“.
Previously on Thursday, Aaditya Thackeray led a delegation of party workers to meet BS Koshyari to request him of drought-relief measures for farmers in the affected regions of the state. On hearing the matter, the Governor assured them of the positive action.
The party also elected senior leader Eknath Shinde as its legislative party leader. Sunil Prabhu was elected as the chief whip of the party.