MVA postpones May 14 Vajramuth rally in Pune

PUNE: NCP state president Jayant Patil on Wednesday cited hot summer conditions in the state for the postponement of MVA's Vajramuth rally in Pune on May 14, but local leaders maintained that it was because of the ongoing crisis in the NCP.
"Considering the severe summer in the state, it was decided in an unofficial meeting by MVA leaders on May 1 to change the dates of some Vajramuth rallies. When there are such hot conditions, it will not be appropriate to hold rallies," Patil said.
NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade told TOI that they had finalised a venue for the rally in Nana Peth but will need time to organise it. "Sharad Pawar has said that he needs two to three days to think about his decision to step down as NCP president. The atmosphere is not conducive right now to discuss the Vajramuth rally with other MVA members," Kakade added.
Vajramuth rallies across the state are being held to showcase MVA's unity and strength. The rally in Mumbai on May 1 attracted a huge crowd and organisers in Pune said they want a similar response.
Pawar's announcement has jolted not only NCP but also its allies Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee vice president Ramesh Bagwe told TOI that not a single meeting of MVA members for the rally has been held so far.
"With only ten days left and considering the ongoing issue with MVA ally the NCP, it does not look like we will be able to hold the meeting anytime soon. So, the rally in Pune will have to be postponed," he added.
"Though the leadership issue is NCP's internal matter, MVA needs Sharad Pawar as he is the seniormost leader in the state. If we want to organise a successful rally, we will have to postpone the date and give some time for the matter to settle," Bagve added.