Shiv Sena 'key constituent' and 'strong ally' of the NDA: Rajeev Pratap Rudy

Declaring Shiv Sena as a "key constituent" in the NDA, BJP leader Rajeev Pratap Rudy today said Devendra Fadnavis was the leader of the BJP in the state.

Earlier, during the day, Maharashtra BJP chief Fadnavis met Uddhav Thackeray to convey to him that Shiv Sena was its most trusted ally.

"In Maharashtra, state party chief Devendra Fadnavis is our leader. Shiv Sena is our strong ally," Rudy told reporters before his meeting with the Sena leader.

Rudy, in-charge of the BJP in Maharashtra has been deputed by party chief Rajnath Singh to pacify Shiv Sena's anger following meeting of Nitin Gadkari with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about the Lok Sabha elections.

Rudy also exuded confidence that the NDA would get more than 300 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

Earlier today, Sena leader Uddhav had asked the BJP to explain who is its leader in Maharashtra and also took a dig at Gadkari for his meeting with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, few days ago.

"BJP should clarify who is authorised in Maharashtra BJP to take decisions," he said, questioning if the BJP would take support from the Congress, like Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal did by taking support of Congress to form a government in Delhi.

"If need arises, will you (BJP) take anybody's support, like that done by (Arvind) Kejriwal or like former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar took the support of Rajiv Gandhi. Will you take support of the Congress also if needed," Uddhav asked, hitting out at both Gadkari and Raj Thackeray.

Meanwhile, a meeting between Rudy and Uddhav began at Matoshri. Rudy was accompanied by Vinod Tawde and Girish Mahajan.