Fadnavis denies rumours of alliance talk with MNS

Nagpur: Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis denied reports of BJP’s plan to enter into a pre-poll alliance with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
On political rumours, Fadnavis said, “I also keep enjoying ‘kite flying’ sessions by people. People nowadays keep saying anything, interpreting it according their understanding.”
He said the party is committed to an alliance with CM Eknath Shinde’s group. “The original Shiv Sena, which is Eknanth Shinde’s party, will be our alliance partner. Together, we will fight the elections and also secure victory,” said Fadnavis.
Reacting to BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s tour of Baramati being dubbed as ‘Mission Baramati’ in political circles, Fadnavis said that all constituencies are equal for his party. “BJP has Mission India. The state BJP unit has Mission Maharashtra too. And since Baramati is in Maharashtra, it’s part of the mission,” said Fadnavis.
He also downplayed reporters’ question on whether Baramati was being considered as the last frontier. “There’s nothing like that. For BJP, every seat is important,” said Fadnavis.
On the government’s directives to put up photos of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, Fadnavis said it was simply a matter of following protocol. “I believe that everyone in Maharashtra, and even India, has immense respect for both these great people. But since government offices have to follow rules, that’s why these directives were given to ensure that their photos are put up,” said Fadnavis.