BJP, Sena may merge for LS-polls, not for Maharashtra: Pawar
What's the story
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has predicted that the BJP and the Shiv Sena may merge for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but not for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Pawar also ruled out the possibility of the two elections being held simultaneously, saying the "situation has changed". BJP and Sena have been in a strained relationship despite sharing power at the Center and the state.
Information
Center has been discussing the idea of simultaneous elections
The Center has been toying with the idea of holding simultaneous elections for quite some time now. Earlier this year, PM Narendra Modi called for "widespread" debate on holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies saying it would result in financial savings.
Details
Sena to go solo for elections, BJP trying for alliance
Sena has already announced that it would go solo for the polls. The BJP, on the other hand, is eyeing to forge an alliance with the Sena for the upcoming elections. Also, questioning the credibility of EVMs, Pawar called for the use of ballot papers in the polls. The NCP supremo said the opposition parties may meet within 15 days to discuss the issue.
Alleged Scam
Pawar again demands for probe into alleged Rafale scam
Pawar reiterated his demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged Rafale scam. He recalled how the BJP, while in the opposition in the 1980s, had demanded a JPC to probe into the alleged Bofors scam. "That demand was fulfilled then," he said adding, "Therefore, the demand for a JPC to probe into the Rafale issue cannot be ignored now."