CONG-NCP starts talks with smaller parties

MUMBAI: Senior Congress and NCP leaders on Sunday held talks with leaders from three parties — Republican Party of India (Gavai), Sharad Yadav led Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) and Communist Party of India (Marxist).

The move comes post decision of taking on board other political parties to form a mega alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra.

The parties were also invited to join the Opposition front led by the Congress and NCP to avoid division of secular votes.

The meetings were held at the official residence of Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, leader of opposition in the state assembly. State Congress president Ashok Chavan and state NCP chief Jayant Patil held primary talks with leaders from each political party in separate meetings.

Rajendra Gavai, chief of RPI Gavai faction, said that they are ready to be a part of the Opposition unity but with riders. “I asked the Congress and NCP to bring Prakash Ambedkar led Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh on board if they really wanted to avoid the division of secular votes. I have also asked one seat for Lok Sabha polls and five for assembly elections,” he said.

Kapil Patil, LJD leader and MLC, said, “We are also of the opinion that secular parties should come together but we also want to see if the Congress and NCP are really serious about the smaller parties. “I asked them to explain to us their plan of treating small parties like us. The picture is expected to be cleared in the next meeting,” he said.

Ashok Dhavale, central committee member CPI(M) said the decision has to be taken by the central body of the party. “The issue of having an alliance in Maharashtra will be discussed in the state committee meeting on September 21 and 22 and later at central meeting in October.”