15 October,2025 04:46 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
We will inform the public once a decision is made, Supriya Sule said. File Pic
Amid growing speculation over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray potentially joining the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Supriya Sule said that there was nothing wrong in political parties coming together for the national interest, reported the PTI.
However, she clarified that a decision on this matter will be taken jointly by all senior MVA leaders.
Speaking to reporters in Pune on Wednesday, Supriya Sule said, "There is nothing wrong in coming together in the national interest. But the decision on including Raj Thackeray in the MVA will be taken by all senior leaders. These are important political decisions, not to be made in front of cameras. Such matters are discussed in meetings. We will inform the public once a decision is made," according to the PTI.
Her comments follow Raj Thackeray's recent show of unity with top Opposition leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, during a visit to the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, S Chockalingam, to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly the voters' rolls.
Raj Thackeray, during the meeting with the State Election Commission (SEC), suggested that the authority should inform the Supreme Court (SC) about problems in the electoral rolls and ask for time before announcing the election schedule. "For five years, the elections for local bodies were not held. What difference would it make? How does it matter now if the elections are delayed by another couple of months?" Raj said.
Raj Thackeray's active involvement has sparked fresh debate over whether the MNS will formally become part of the MVA alliance, which currently includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP).
Earlier this week, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut suggested that the MNS is open to an alliance that includes the Congress. However, some Congress leaders in Maharashtra have expressed their opposition to any partnership with the MNS.
Meanwhile, on the passport row involving fugitive gangster Nilesh Ghaywal, Supriya Sule said, "Passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, not the police. Everyone knows the process and who has held power over the last 11 years," as per the PTI.
According to the Pune Police, Ghaywal is believed to have fled the country using a fraudulently obtained passport. Authorities have issued a Look Out Notice and are currently investigating how he managed to get the passport despite his criminal background.
(with PTI inputs)
