Ruling Mahayuti constituents in Maharashtra have decided to contest the upcoming elections together and refrain from making critical or contradictory remarks against one another, state Revenue Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Monday.
The decision was taken at a meeting of alliance leaders amid recent controversies over alleged audio clips in which BJP leaders were purportedly heard using foul language against other leaders. Some Shiv Sena MLAs have also made critical remarks against NCP state president Sunil Tatkare.
The BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Sunetra Pawar-led NCP are the prominent constituents of the Mahayuti government.
"Even if the upcoming elections are local polls, it was decided that they would be contested as Mahayuti constituents.
The Mahayuti formula will be mandatory for everyone, and there will not be any critical remarks passed against each other," Bawankule told reporters after the meeting.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the three parties and six ministers, he said, adding that alliance partners would continue to discuss issues among themselves.
"When you are part of Mahayuti, there should not be any confusion or contradictory remarks. No one should criticise their allies," he said.
Bawankule also ruled out any change in the state's leadership, asserting that there was no question of replacing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"Opposition parties talk about his (Fadnavis) replacement as they can not do their work because of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
We have secured such a huge mandate, then why should we go for change of the head," he said.
The BJP leader said the alliance partners also discussed the utilisation of development funds and agreed to strengthen communication and dialogue among all constituents.
"There are nearly 12 political parties in Mahayuti, where more effective communication and dialogue will be maintained with all the parties," he stressed.
Bawankule said the alliance would fight elections as a united front and implement its promises to the people collectively.
"Be it elections, agenda, our promises to the people will be implemented, as Mahayuti," he added.
The alliance also decided to complete appointments to nearly 170 corporations, involving more than 650 positions, within a month, he said.
"All the parties agreed to it," he said.
Bawankule said district guardian ministers had also been provided details regarding the utilisation of development funds and the formula to be followed.
On education, he said the state government was undertaking an overhaul of the sector and would utilise funds to improve school infrastructure.
"It will not happen in one year, but we are making progress," the minister said.
Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's support for a young tribal woman who raised an issue concerning students seeking admission to hostels run by the tribal development department, Bawankule said Fadnavis had already taken up the matter.
"Fadnavis has already taken up the issue of students having more than 30 years of age but wanting to live in tribal department-operated hostels.
Gandhi should have taken proper information before making any remarks," he said.
During the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme addressed by Gandhi, the young woman had raised the issue, following which the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had expressed willingness to participate in their cause.
(With inputs from PTI)