Following his meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that Thackeray was the MVA's "face" and the Congress would be happy if he becomes an MLC. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Thursday appealed to Thackeray to contest the legislative council election, saying his experience will continue to guide the state.
BJP Strategy for Council Polls
The BJP is set to contest four seats in legislative council polls. Sources said the state BJP core committee, chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, met on Wednesday night to discuss the strategy for the polls as well as the bye-election for one council seat vacated after Pradnya Satav of the Congress resigned as an MLC to join the BJP.
"The BJP will contest four of the nine seats and field a candidate for the bye-election. The names of probable candidates were discussed, and the shortlisted ones will be sent to the central leadership for clearance," said a source.
MVA's Internal Discussions
In the MVA camp, Sapkal met Thackeray at the latter's residence, Matoshree, and held talks with him. "We could not fight the Rajya Sabha polls. This is a fact. But Uddhav Thackeray is the MVA's face, and if he is going to become an MLC, then we will be happy. We have already stated this before. No decision on the MLC nomination was taken during the meeting. We discussed how to take the MVA forward," Sapkal said.
Sule said Uddhav is a senior and experienced leader whose presence in the legislature would benefit both the state and the legislature. "Uddhavji Thackeray is a seasoned leader. His experience will continue to guide the state and enrich the functioning of the Council. We request him to consider this appeal positively," Sule said.
Sapkal said there was a detailed discussion on the current political situation and challenges in the future. "The three parties will sit together and hold discussions and take decisions in a cordial atmosphere," Sapkal said.
Raut's Stance
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said that if Thackeray becomes an MLC, then MVA will remain together. Raut said everyone wishes that Thackeray becomes an MLC again, but a final decision will be taken by Thackeray himself. "There will be discussions among the three MVA parties on the one seat. Congress and NCP have indicated their stand. If Uddhav Thackeray decides to go to the council, he will have their support. There was a view within the alliance that Thackeray should return to the legislature. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief should be in the legislature. He is a former chief minister and a key MVA leader. His presence will ensure the alliance remains united," Raut said.
