Decision on alliance for civic polls to be taken at local level: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said decisions regarding tie-ups with the BJP's allies for the coming civic elections would be taken at the local level.
Speaking to reporters after a review meeting with party leaders here, Fadnavis said, "We held a review meeting for Western Maharashtra, and will hold another meeting for Konkan region in Mumbai. We discussed the party's strength in the last civic body elections and the current position.
" For an alliance with the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, we are discussing the matter with local leaders. Directions for the next steps will be given only after receiving inputs from our party units," he added.
Wherever possible, the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP would form an alliance before the elections, he said.
"There could be a few seats where an alliance cannot be formed, but there will not be any extreme criticism of our allies (during the campaign). Clear directives to this effect have been given," Fadnavis said.
A similar review meeting was recently held in Nashik for north Maharashtra.
On the issue of new entrants ahead of the local body polls, Fadnavis said, "If a strong worker wishes to join the BJP, our stand is to welcome such a person. Our existing workers are accommodative, which is why the BJP has grown into such a large organisation. In some instances, local leaders get upset, but we try to convince them, and they do listen to us."
On BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar's harsh criticism of NCP (SP) leader and former minister Jayant Patil, Fadnavis said, "We are against making personal remarks. We have conveyed this to Padalkar as well. Minister Chandrakant Patil has taken the initiative to end personal mud-slinging."
Asked about the financial aid for rain-affected farmers in Marathwada, Fadnavis said, "Some people have already received the cash component of the package announced for farmers. We are taking steps to ensure that most of the affected people receive financial assistance before Diwali. Some may receive it later."
When asked about the formation of a new working committee under the new state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan, Fadnavis said there were no obstacles in the process. "It could be finalised and announced in the next 8 to 10 days," he said.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
