Sharad Pawar hints at continuing alliance with MVA constituents for civic polls: ‘will take a final decision'

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated Friday that the party's pre-poll alliance with constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will continue during the upcoming civic polls, similar to how it was during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. He also expressed the need to give due importance to the Shiv Sena (UBT) for its strength in Mumbai.
'The Supreme Court has given a timeframe to hold civic polls in the state. It cannot be delayed, and our prediction is that the election process is likely to start in three months. It has not been decided yet but it is our attempt to bring all MVA partners together. We all, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other small parties will discuss and take a final decision on whether there is willingness to contest the civic polls together,' said Pawar.
'We have not done any discussion but in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is more powerful among us. So that will have to be taken into consideration,' he added.
The NCP(SP) chief refused to comment on the war of words between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) during the Sena's foundation day events on June 19, Thursday. During the function, Shinde accused the Sena (UBT) of looting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), while Uddhav vowed to reclaim Mumbai.
Regarding the debate on introducing Hindi language in Maharashtra's schools, Pawar said, 'It should not be made mandatory. However, ignoring it is not in the interest of students. Those who want to learn should be allowed to do so. Students should decide under the guidance of their parents.'
The NCP(SP) chief said that around 60 per cent of the country's population speaks Hindi, and the language cannot be ignored as it enables communication with people across the country.
Pointing out that the increase in rainfall across the state will boost the groundwater level, Pawar said, 'The situation seems good this time as there will be sufficient availability of water this year. However, if there is damage to crops due to excess rainfall, the state government should provide compensation.'

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