NDA Meeting: PM Modi Urges Allies Not To Let "Small Differences Unsettle Them"

Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena skipped the crucial meeting of NDA allies, singling their parting of ways with the ruling coalition at the Centre is almost certain

NDA Meeting: PM Modi Urges Allies Not To Let "Small Differences Unsettle Them" / Photo Courtesy: PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NDA meeting on Sunday asked allies not to let "small differences unsettle them" amid the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra. Signifying the importance of the "huge family" of National Democratic Alliance, PM Modi said, "Let us work together for the people. We have been given a massive mandate, let's respect that. We are like-minded parties despite not having the same ideology. Small differences should not unsettle us." He added that a coordination committee should be formed for better coordination. Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena skipped the crucial meeting of NDA allies, singling their parting of ways with the ruling coalition at the Centre is almost certain. "No Shiv Sena representative will attend the NDA meeting. This is nearly finalised," Shiv Sena spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told reporters in Mumbai on Saturday. A few days back, Sena went ahead to caution its former ally BJP against taking its defeat in Maharashtra to heart, or it would lose mental balance and slide to 'insanity'. The Sena said that with efforts currently underway in Maharashtra to form a stable government minus the single-largest party BJP, it (BJP) is raving and ranting against the second-largest party (Sena's) upcoming alliance with Congress and the NCP. According to unofficial indications, Sena would get the post of Chief Minister, but it is hazy whether it will be for half-term (30 months) or full term (five years), while NCP-Congress would get Deputy CM each, besides portfolios being shared at one per four legislators of each party. NCP President Sharad Pawar will call on Sonia Gandhi later this week with the possibility of Sena President Uddhav Thackeray also going to meet her before a formal tie-up announcement is made from New Delhi on a priority this week or early next week, according to political sources. A Congress leader said they would like to complete all formalities before November 18, when the Winter Session of Parliament begins, and also explore possibilities of the three prospective allies going to campaign for the Jharkhand Assembly elections after the government formation is completed in Maharashtra.