Hours after Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole announced that the grand old party will contest all local body and assembly elections separately, Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said “we can only wish them all the best if they have come up with such a decision to contest alone in the coming polls.”

Nana Patole is an important part of Maha Vikas Aghadi, said the Rajya Sabha MP adding that the Shiv Sena under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and the alliance has managed to win the hearts of the people.

Talking to Times Now, Chaturvedi said, “Moving forward, what decisions are taken in terms of state elections is a decision that is for their party to take and their party leadership to take. As far as Maharashtra government is concerned we will continue being in an alliance and continue to serve the people of Maharashtra.”

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that all are free to expand and strengthen their party.

“It’s not a merger but an alliance of 3 parties, We don’t have any commitment to contest every election together. In local polls, local leaders take the decision. We only strategize for Lok Sabha & state elections,” he said.

Refuting reports that CM Uddhav Thackeray will be replaced after 2.5 years, Raut said that if someone talks about this, then it is nothing but a lie and rumour.

‘Congress will be the top party in Maharashtra by 2024’

Addressing Congress workers in Tivasa, Patole asked, “Don’t you want to make Nana Patole as CM in 2024?”

Patole is reportedly miffed with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar over his praise for Shiv Sena. Attacking Pawar, he called Congress the original party.

We don’t need a certificate from anyone. Even if someone is sidelining us, that doesn’t mean we will be sidelined. By 2024, Congress will only remain the top party in Maharashtra,” said Maharashtra Congress chief.

MVA will complete its full term: Sharad Pawar

Pawar had earlier expressed confidence that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra will complete its full term.

Praising Shiv Sena, the NCP chief said “it is a party which one can trust.”

His remarks came after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray arrived in Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the 22nd foundation day of the NCP, Pawar had also said that the MVA will perform well in the next Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, indicating that the three parties might contest the polls together.