Maharashtra polls: State leadership would decide on continuing talks with Sena, says BJP's Madhav Bhandari

The state leadership of BJP will take a decision on "continuing alliance talks" with Shiv Sena, Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said on Monday.

Bhandari, who had said yesterday that talks had come to a standstill because of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's comments against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, came under flak from Uddhav earlier in the day. Bhandari said he had only conveyed "the sentiments of the cadre".

"I am too small a worker to react to Uddhav Thackeray's comments. Any further update on Sena-BJP talks will be given by our state unit chief Devendra Fadanvis and general secretaries and observers-in-charge," Bhandari told reporters.

State BJP treasurer Shaina NC said "disrespect" to Modi upsets the cadre. "Disrespect towards our tallest leader (Modi) upsets the cadre. Everyone has political aspirations," Shaina said.

"A leader should be rational and sensitive while talking about any other party's leader," she added. Meanwhile, BJP sources said party president Amit Shah would arrive here for a three-day visit to Maharashtra from September 17.

He would speak at a Giants International Awards function in Mumbai on 17th, visit Kolhapur and Pune next day and also attend Pankaja Munde-led Sanghursh Yatra's conclusion at Choundi in Ahmednagar district.
Shah would be addressing the party workers in Pune, Amravati and Gondia.

Bhandari said BJP's manifesto was ready, and 'a Lok Sanvad' (interaction) will be held with people to get feedback on September 20 all over the state.