Deshmukh wants party consensus on pre-poll alliance with NCP

Union minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Vilasrao Deshmukh on Saturday demanded that the state unit president convene the executive committee to discuss the matter.

Sticking to his demand to re-consider pre-poll alliance with NCP in Maharashtra, Union minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Vilasrao Deshmukh on Saturday demanded that the state unit president convene the executive committee to discuss the matter.

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Deshmukh asked the state unit chief Manikrao Thakre to call the executive meeting to discuss the issue of pre-poll alliance with the NCP immediately and prepare a report on the views and opinions of party MPs, MLAs, district unit chiefs and office bearers to be sent to the leadership.

The minister, who was speaking at a felicitation function of newly sworn-in union ministers and MPs, organised by Mumbai Congress, said that he would continue to speak on this issue till the confusion in minds of the workers is sorted out.

Deshmukh referred to yesterday's election for the president of Panvel Municipal Council where Congress candidate was defeated by the NCP with the help of Shiv Sena, BJP and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP).

The former Chief Minister said defeat of Congress candidate in Panvel was an indicator about which side the winds were blowing. "The party should look into this matter seriously", he said.