Maharashtra NCP president Jayant Patil on Sunday sent waves of anxiety in the BJP camp by claiming that at least “15 to 20” Independents and other MLAs associated with the Amit Shah-led party were in touch with his party and these would be admitted into the party on the basis of “merit”.
Speaking to media persons before the start of the NCP’s core group meeting in Pune, Patil said, “At least 15 to 20 MLAs (Independents and other MLAs associated with the BJP) are in touch with us. I would not like to disclose their names at this juncture, since such a disclosure would land the MLAs concerned in a difficulty”.
In elaboration, Patil said that several of the MLAs, who had switched to the BJP ahead of the State Assembly and have been re-elected, were “in touch” with the NCP. “ We are also in touch with some Independent MLAs who had earlier pledged their support to the BJP,” he said.
“We will not admit them into the NCP en masse. But, we will induct them in our party on merit,” the NCP State chief said.
Indicating that the NCP and Congress would form the Government in alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Patio said: “We are in the process of giving a people-friendly and stable Government to the State. There is no problem even if the Government formation gets delayed. But, we would like to give the people a Government that will last for full five years”.