Kangana Ranaut's latest comments on social media have irked the Congress party in Maharashtra.&nbsp; 
 
The party's unit president Nana Patole is seeking legal advice and has also asked the police to register a complaint against the Bollywood actress whose remarks he has termed as 'anti-national'.&nbsp; 
 
Speaking to reporters, Patole said Congress will take a firm stand against such "coordinated" attacks.

Days after Kangana alleged that India had got independence in 1947 like 'alms', Ranaut on Tuesday claimed Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh got no support from Mahatma Gandhi and went on to mock his mantra of ahimsa by saying that offering another cheek gets you 'bheek' (alms) not freedom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kangana-ranaut-has-a-hilarious-reaction-as-thalaivii-trends-in-pakistan-420079" hreflang="en">Kangana Ranaut has a hilarious reaction as 'Thalaivii' trends in Pakistan</a>

She had described India's Independence as 'bheek', or alms, and declared that freedom came in 2014 when the Narendra Modi-led government came to power.

In a series of posts on Instagram, Ranaut this time targeted Mahatma Gandhi and said "choose your heroes wisely". 
In her Instagram story, Kangana shared an old newspaper article and wrote, "Either you are a Gandhi fan or Netaji supporter. You can't be both, choose and decide."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-as-bollywood-gears-up-to-lodge-a-protest-will-kangana-ranaut-return-her-padma-shri-429452">As Bollywood gears up to lodge a protest, will Kangana Ranaut return her Padma Shri?</a> 
 
The newspaper had an old article from the 1940s with the headline, 'Gandhi, others had agreed to hand over Netaji'. 
In her next IG Story, Kangana, who is known for her controversial remarks, said that freedom fighters were "handed over" to the British by those "who had no courage" to fight oppression but were "power-hungry" and "cunning".&nbsp; 
 
Taking a dig at Mahatma Gandhi, she added, "Those are the ones who taught us if someone slaps you offer another cheek for one more slap and that is how you will get aazaadi. That`s not how one gets aazadi, one can only get bheekh like that. Choose your heroes wisely." 
 
"So you need to choose who you support because just placing them all in one box of your memory and every year wishing them all on their birth anniversaries is not enough. In fact, it is not just dumb, it is highly irresponsible and superficial. One must know their history and their heroes," the actor added. 
 
Her recent comments regarding India`s independence struggle has drawn flak from several politicians and others. 
 
Many have even demanded that the Centre take back Kangana's Padma Shri honour for insulting the country's independence battle.&nbsp; 
 
"There are some Hindi film actors who are given some awards and being used to distort the historical facts. We are seeking a legal opinion on the matter. Once we arrive at a decision, the party will take its next firm stand regarding such coordinated attacks," Patole said when asked about comments made by Ranaut. 
 
He said Congress leader Naseem Khan, a former minister, has already requested the police to file a complaint against Ranaut.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-withdraw-kangana-ranauts-padma-shri-ncp-leader-slams-actress-over-her-remarks-on-indias-independence-428770" hreflang="en">'Withdraw Kangana Ranaut's Padma Shri,' NCP leader slams actress over her remarks on India's independence</a>

Kangana Ranaut's latest comments on social media have irked the Congress party in Maharashtra. The party's unit president Nana Patole is seeking legal advice and has also asked the police to register a complaint against the Bollywood actress whose remarks he has termed as 'anti-national'.

Kangana Ranaut's latest comments on social media have irked the Congress party in Maharashtra. The party's unit president Nana Patole is seeking legal advice and has also asked the police to register a complaint against the Bollywood actress whose remarks he has termed as 'anti-national'. Speaking to reporters, Patole said Congress will take a firm stand against such "coordinated" attacks. Days after Kangana alleged that India had got independence in 1947 like 'alms', Ranaut on Tuesday claimed Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh got no support from Mahatma Gandhi and went on to mock his mantra of ahimsa by saying that offering another cheek gets you 'bheek' (alms) not freedom. Kangana Ranaut has a hilarious reaction as 'Thalaivii' trends in Pakistan She had described India's Independence as 'bheek', or alms, and declared that freedom came in 2014 when the Narendra Modi-led government came to power. In a series of posts on Instagram, Ranaut this time targeted Mahatma Gandhi and said "choose your heroes wisely". In her Instagram story, Kangana shared an old newspaper article and wrote, "Either you are a Gandhi fan or Netaji supporter. You can't be both, choose and decide." As Bollywood gears up to lodge a protest, will Kangana Ranaut return her Padma Shri? The newspaper had an old article from the 1940s with the headline, 'Gandhi, others had agreed to hand over Netaji'. In her next IG Story, Kangana, who is known for her controversial remarks, said that freedom fighters were "handed over" to the British by those "who had no courage" to fight oppression but were "power-hungry" and "cunning". Taking a dig at Mahatma Gandhi, she added, "Those are the ones who taught us if someone slaps you offer another cheek for one more slap and that is how you will get aazaadi. That`s not how one gets aazadi, one can only get bheekh like that. Choose your heroes wisely." "So you need to choose who you support because just placing them all in one box of your memory and every year wishing them all on their birth anniversaries is not enough. In fact, it is not just dumb, it is highly irresponsible and superficial. One must know their history and their heroes," the actor added. Her recent comments regarding India`s independence struggle has drawn flak from several politicians and others. Many have even demanded that the Centre take back Kangana's Padma Shri honour for insulting the country's independence battle. "There are some Hindi film actors who are given some awards and being used to distort the historical facts. We are seeking a legal opinion on the matter. Once we arrive at a decision, the party will take its next firm stand regarding such coordinated attacks," Patole said when asked about comments made by Ranaut. He said Congress leader Naseem Khan, a former minister, has already requested the police to file a complaint against Ranaut. 'Withdraw Kangana Ranaut's Padma Shri,' NCP leader slams actress over her remarks on India's independence

Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Mahatma Gandhi, Congress to file police complaint

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-opposition-mlas-resign-from-maharashtra-assembly-239497">resignation letters</a> to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year.

"Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year. "Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying. Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.

Maharashtra: 1 Congress, 3 Nationalist Congress  MLAs to join BJP today

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi has been in London since Tuesday and unavailable to the Congress leadership for any decisions.

The list approved the name of Balasaheb Thorat as the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra who will replace Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the party earlier this month. Also included in the list is the name of Sharad Ranpise, who has been appointed leader of the Upper House. Generally, appointments for Congress party positions are announced on behalf of the party president.

<img alt="AICC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7d601ec-f9c9-4779-9c9d-3aaa063d06ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AICC.jpg" />

(The list approved by the AICC)

The names were proposed by the state in-charge Mallikarjun Kharge which was approved by the Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation, KC Venugopal.

Before the elections, Rahul Gandhi was taking most of the decisions. He even approved the appointment of Gurdaspur district president in January, 2019. But this time, Gandhi's absence in the party's official release took many by surprise.

<img alt="Congress list" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="364a9c2b-6313-41cb-b1e5-21254fb80d5a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190614-WA0039.jpg" />

(The list approved by Rahul Gandhi in January)

As of now, there is no clarity on the decision-making process at the top in the Congress party. However, the party's media cell in-charge Randeep Surjewala has been insisting that Rahul Gandhi continues as president and would remain so in the position.

The Congress will also need to appoint leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha. This authority is vested in Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) president Sonia Gandhi, she can directly appoint any MP as the leader of the party in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of Parliament.

Senior Congress leaders and few chief ministers are expected to meet today (June 14) for dinner hosted by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Sources said the official reason is to make a common strategy for the meeting which they will attend on Saturday at Niti Aayog. Sources also said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrindar Singh may skip the dinner today, but the top menu of the dinner will remain the future of the Congress party as Rahul Gandhi continues to stick to his decision of not being the party president.

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi has been in London since Tuesday and unavailable to the Congress leadership for any decisions. The list approved the name of Balasaheb Thorat as the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra who will replace Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the party earlier this month. Also included in the list is the name of Sharad Ranpise, who has been appointed leader of the Upper House. Generally, appointments for Congress party positions are announced on behalf of the party president. (The list approved by the AICC) The names were proposed by the state in-charge Mallikarjun Kharge which was approved by the Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation, KC Venugopal. Before the elections, Rahul Gandhi was taking most of the decisions. He even approved the appointment of Gurdaspur district president in January, 2019. But this time, Gandhi's absence in the party's official release took many by surprise. (The list approved by Rahul Gandhi in January) As of now, there is no clarity on the decision-making process at the top in the Congress party. However, the party's media cell in-charge Randeep Surjewala has been insisting that Rahul Gandhi continues as president and would remain so in the position. The Congress will also need to appoint leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha. This authority is vested in Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) president Sonia Gandhi, she can directly appoint any MP as the leader of the party in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of Parliament. Senior Congress leaders and few chief ministers are expected to meet today (June 14) for dinner hosted by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Sources said the official reason is to make a common strategy for the meeting which they will attend on Saturday at Niti Aayog. Sources also said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrindar Singh may skip the dinner today, but the top menu of the dinner will remain the future of the Congress party as Rahul Gandhi continues to stick to his decision of not being the party president.

Congress gets down to business without its president Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vikhe-patils-a-powerful-family-in-maharashtra-with-cross-party-loyalties-204290">Vikhe Patil</a> was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency.

Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat.

The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state.

Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years.

The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil.

It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra.

The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil.

Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times.

(With PTI inputs)

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly.

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency. Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat. The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state. Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years. The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil. It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times. (With PTI inputs)

Week after son, Maharashtra Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quits party

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties.

The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state.

Sujay Vikhe Patil, the son of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, joined the BJP on March 12 and is tipped to be its candidate from his preferred Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years.

The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil.

It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. 
The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil.

Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times.

Before joining the Congress, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil was closely associated with the Communist Party of India.

His past communist link was not ignored by senior Congress leaders who used it to question his "loyalty" to the party, said Bal Bothe-Patil, a journalist from Ahmednagar district.

When the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in 1975, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil left the Congress like many other leaders in those days and became chairman of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Congress in 1978 along with his party colleague from Nanded, Shankarrao Chavan.

However, both returned to the Congress fold when Indira Gandhi stormed back to power after losing the post-Emergency Lok Sabha polls.

"The Vikhe Patils could not stay away from power for long. The same pattern was followed by his son (Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil) and grandson Sujay, who is now in the BJP," said Bothe-Patil, whose doctorate thesis was on political parties in Ahmednagar district since Independence.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil again rebelled against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, and under the leadership of V P Singh formed a political group, the Congress Forum for Action, that roped in 45 MPs across the country, he said.

It was a strong message to other Congress leaders from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, that the clout of the Vikhe Patils is growing, Bothe-Patil added.

"The biggest-ever rift in Congress was witnessed when Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, defeated in polls, in early 1990s filed a lawsuit against (then) Congress leader Sharad Pawar for his alleged suggestion over acceptance of freebies.

"Though Pawar (who later quit the Congress and formed NCP) had to face the Supreme Court's strictures, (it appears that) he did not forget the case," he claims. 
This may be the reason behind the NCP's refusal to drop its claim on the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of its seat-sharing agreement with the Congress for the upcoming polls, he said.

Pawar's "stubbornness" left Sujay Vikhe Patil with no other option but to join the BJP, probably the only major party his family has not been associated with till now, Bothe-Patil added.

In 1990s, the BJP-led coalition came to power at the Centre as well as in Maharashtra (in alliance with the Shiv Sena).

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil switched over to the Shiv Sena and later became Union Minister for Heavy Industries in the Vajpayee cabinet.

His son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also joined the Balasaheb Thackeray-founded party and became a minister in the Manohar Joshi-led Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra.

The father-son duo returned to the Congress by 1999 and held ministerial posts till the party was in power.

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties.

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties. The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state. Sujay Vikhe Patil, the son of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, joined the BJP on March 12 and is tipped to be its candidate from his preferred Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency. Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years. The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil. It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times. Before joining the Congress, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil was closely associated with the Communist Party of India. His past communist link was not ignored by senior Congress leaders who used it to question his "loyalty" to the party, said Bal Bothe-Patil, a journalist from Ahmednagar district. When the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in 1975, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil left the Congress like many other leaders in those days and became chairman of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Congress in 1978 along with his party colleague from Nanded, Shankarrao Chavan. However, both returned to the Congress fold when Indira Gandhi stormed back to power after losing the post-Emergency Lok Sabha polls. "The Vikhe Patils could not stay away from power for long. The same pattern was followed by his son (Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil) and grandson Sujay, who is now in the BJP," said Bothe-Patil, whose doctorate thesis was on political parties in Ahmednagar district since Independence. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil again rebelled against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, and under the leadership of V P Singh formed a political group, the Congress Forum for Action, that roped in 45 MPs across the country, he said. It was a strong message to other Congress leaders from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, that the clout of the Vikhe Patils is growing, Bothe-Patil added. "The biggest-ever rift in Congress was witnessed when Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, defeated in polls, in early 1990s filed a lawsuit against (then) Congress leader Sharad Pawar for his alleged suggestion over acceptance of freebies. "Though Pawar (who later quit the Congress and formed NCP) had to face the Supreme Court's strictures, (it appears that) he did not forget the case," he claims. This may be the reason behind the NCP's refusal to drop its claim on the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of its seat-sharing agreement with the Congress for the upcoming polls, he said. Pawar's "stubbornness" left Sujay Vikhe Patil with no other option but to join the BJP, probably the only major party his family has not been associated with till now, Bothe-Patil added. In 1990s, the BJP-led coalition came to power at the Centre as well as in Maharashtra (in alliance with the Shiv Sena). Balasaheb Vikhe Patil switched over to the Shiv Sena and later became Union Minister for Heavy Industries in the Vajpayee cabinet. His son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also joined the Balasaheb Thackeray-founded party and became a minister in the Manohar Joshi-led Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra. The father-son duo returned to the Congress by 1999 and held ministerial posts till the party was in power.

Vikhe Patils: A powerful family in Maharashtra with cross-party loyalties

The NCP cadre in Mumbai is rife with talks of NCP chief Sharad Pawar joining hands with MNS leader Raj Thackeray following a meeting between the two leaders at Pawar&#39;s Nepean Sea Road residence in Mumbai on Saturday.

A report in DNA quoted NCP leaders as saying that Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackeray are joining forces to pose a challenge to the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

An NCP leader requesting anonymity told DNA that Sharad Pawar met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the two decided that the NCP supremo would handle the Congress-NCP alliance and other small parties who wish to give a joint fight to the BJP in Maharashtra. He said Sharad Pawar was thinking on the lines of the MNS being a part of the Congress-NCP alliance.

&quot;Sharad Pawar saheb had a meeting with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi where it was decided that Pawar Saheb will solely handle the Congress and NCP alliance and other smaller parties who wish to give a joint fight to the BJP in Maharashtra. As a part of a larger plan, Pawar saheb is toying with the idea of MNS being a part of the Congress-NCP alliance. He also wants MNS to do well so it will have a role to play in state politics,&quot; the senior NCP leader told DNA. Also read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-should-unite-to-achieve-modi-mukt-india-raj-thackeray-36293">Opposition should unite to achieve &#39;Modi-Mukt&#39; India: Raj Thackeray</a>

&quot;Congress is also struggling to put the numbers together. If some seats are given to the MNS and the rest are with Congress and the NCP, then this formidable alliance will be in a better position to snatch the reign from the BJP. We have the support of Marathas, Dalits and Muslims, but this won&#39;t help win more seats in Mumbai and Thane. If Raj Thackeray joins, using the Marathi manoos plank, other communities will also vote. This will help get more seats and come in power in 2019,&quot; he added.

Raj Thackeray&#39;s MNS has a significant presence in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nasik and Pune in Maharashtra.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said dismissed talks of a future alliance as speculation. &quot;A meeting between two party leaders does not mean there is talk of a future alliance. The Thackeray family and Pawar saheb share a good rapport. We should not read too much between the lines at this moment,&quot; Nawab Malik said.

Maharashtra Congress leaders, however said that it would be difficult to take Raj Thackeray as an alliance partner since the two parties had &quot;very different ideologies&quot; and were against North Indians which formed the Congress&#39;s voters base in Mumbai.

&nbsp;&quot;We have very different ideologies. Our voters are not homogeneous. Thackeray and his party workers have assaulted North Indian hawkers and taxi drivers frequently. And North Indians are our voter base in Mumbai. So we cannot hurt our traditional vote bank in any case,&quot; the Congress leader told DNA requesting anonymity.

Another NCP leader, however, said that the Shiv Sena might in the end ally with the BJP because of a common Hindutva agenda.

&quot;Their actions do not hold any truth because of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray&#39;s fickle stand. In the end, they may go with the BJP in the name of their Hindutva agenda. They also want to enjoy power and hence they will not leave the government despite tall talk that has been going on for the past several months. Therefore, Congress and the NCP need to go the extra mile to stitch the larger umbrella alliance with all vote catchers and smaller parties and social groups. No one is untouchable in politics and politics is the art of all possibilities. Pawar saheb is astute enough to use these skills at the right time,&quot; the NCP leader told DNA on the condition of anonymity.

 
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The NCP cadre in Mumbai is rife with talks of the NCP chief joining hands with the MNS leader following a meeting between them at Sharad Pawar's Nepean Sea Road residence in Mumbai on Saturday

The NCP cadre in Mumbai is rife with talks of NCP chief Sharad Pawar joining hands with MNS leader Raj Thackeray following a meeting between the two leaders at Pawar's Nepean Sea Road residence in Mumbai on Saturday. A report in DNA quoted NCP leaders as saying that Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackeray are joining forces to pose a challenge to the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. An NCP leader requesting anonymity told DNA that Sharad Pawar met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the two decided that the NCP supremo would handle the Congress-NCP alliance and other small parties who wish to give a joint fight to the BJP in Maharashtra. He said Sharad Pawar was thinking on the lines of the MNS being a part of the Congress-NCP alliance. "Sharad Pawar saheb had a meeting with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi where it was decided that Pawar Saheb will solely handle the Congress and NCP alliance and other smaller parties who wish to give a joint fight to the BJP in Maharashtra. As a part of a larger plan, Pawar saheb is toying with the idea of MNS being a part of the Congress-NCP alliance. He also wants MNS to do well so it will have a role to play in state politics," the senior NCP leader told DNA. Also read - Opposition should unite to achieve 'Modi-Mukt' India: Raj Thackeray "Congress is also struggling to put the numbers together. If some seats are given to the MNS and the rest are with Congress and the NCP, then this formidable alliance will be in a better position to snatch the reign from the BJP. We have the support of Marathas, Dalits and Muslims, but this won't help win more seats in Mumbai and Thane. If Raj Thackeray joins, using the Marathi manoos plank, other communities will also vote. This will help get more seats and come in power in 2019," he added. Raj Thackeray's MNS has a significant presence in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nasik and Pune in Maharashtra. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said dismissed talks of a future alliance as speculation. "A meeting between two party leaders does not mean there is talk of a future alliance. The Thackeray family and Pawar saheb share a good rapport. We should not read too much between the lines at this moment," Nawab Malik said. Maharashtra Congress leaders, however said that it would be difficult to take Raj Thackeray as an alliance partner since the two parties had "very different ideologies" and were against North Indians which formed the Congress's voters base in Mumbai. "We have very different ideologies. Our voters are not homogeneous. Thackeray and his party workers have assaulted North Indian hawkers and taxi drivers frequently. And North Indians are our voter base in Mumbai. So we cannot hurt our traditional vote bank in any case," the Congress leader told DNA requesting anonymity. Another NCP leader, however, said that the Shiv Sena might in the end ally with the BJP because of a common Hindutva agenda. "Their actions do not hold any truth because of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's fickle stand. In the end, they may go with the BJP in the name of their Hindutva agenda. They also want to enjoy power and hence they will not leave the government despite tall talk that has been going on for the past several months. Therefore, Congress and the NCP need to go the extra mile to stitch the larger umbrella alliance with all vote catchers and smaller parties and social groups. No one is untouchable in politics and politics is the art of all possibilities. Pawar saheb is astute enough to use these skills at the right time," the NCP leader told DNA on the condition of anonymity.

Raj Thackeray, Sharad Pawar meeting fuels talk of alliance