Uddhav Thackeray slams Sharad Pawar for 'vote twice' advice

Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday slammed NCP boss Sharad Pawar for his controversial 'vote twice' advice to head loaders (mathadi workers) in Mumbai a day earlier.

Describing Pawar as a 'great artist', Thackeray said, "We have now learnt how the party (NCP) has been winning elections." The Sena chief's comments came during his visit Nashik ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

On contesting elections in states other than Maharashtra, Thackeray said it was being done at the behest of local activists there, but the party would ensure that the contest is not against NDA candidates.

Though the visit was meant to decide election strategy with party leaders, it came very close to Baban Gholap's indictment in a disproportionate assets case. Gholap was party's nominated candidate for the Shirdi constituency.

While it is understood that Gholap is keen on his son Yogesh taking his place, discussions for a probable candidate still seems to be going on.

"The decision regarding the candidature to Shirdi seat will be announced soon", Thackeray said. The filing of nomination for the seat in Shirdi constituency has already started and ends on March 26, 2014.