Farm leader Ravikant Tupkar arrived in Pune on Tuesday to meet NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, amid speculations of his potential entry into the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Recently, Tupkar also held meetings with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut.
Speaking to the media before his meeting with Pawar, Tupkar said, "All my associates in Maharashtra believe we should form an alliance with the MVA. Uddhav Thackeray invited me to Matoshree to discuss this possible alliance. Now, we are meeting Sharad Pawar. The MVA leaders will make the final decision."
He added that his team plans to contest 24 Assembly seats independently, covering Vidarbha, Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Khandesh. "Youngsters fighting for farmers, who have public support, should enter the Assembly. My associates and workers are urging me to contest from Buldhana," Tupkar said.
However, he clarified that his meeting with the MVA leaders was not to seek a ticket for the elections. "We won’t join anyone unless we are treated with respect and dignity. If not, we have other options before us," he emphasised.
Earlier this year, Tupkar had a public fallout with his mentor, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections from Buldhana as an independent candidate, securing 2.49 lakh votes, 99,904 less than the winning candidate Prataprao Jadhav of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Narendra Khedkar came second with 3.20 lakh votes.
You may also like
'Dying to see my Cholesterol': How Trump responded to Kamala's medical report charge
'Possess, control, impregnate her': Olivia Nuzzi's ex-fiancé claims RFK jr manipulated her
Lifetime ISA warning as area with the most savers can't even use the funds
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Returns After 6-Year Hiatus; Gigi Hadid Opens the Runway
Vernon Kay says daughters and wife Tess Daly 'shouted' at him over one-sided issue at home
Over 800 US military veterans released under 'don't ask, don't tell' policy receive honorable discharges
"Matter of serious concern": CPIM on anti-India Khalistani elements operating in Canada
Horror house fire killed mum and 5 children as Doctor dad leaped from window to get help
Omar Abdullah To Take Oath As First CM Of J&K Union Territory Today
Salman Khan Should Give 'Counter Threat' To Lawrence Bishnoi, Says Ram Gopal Varma
Warning to avoid these four popular breakfast foods if you have high blood pressure
Arne Slot 'sent private text' to Virgil van Dijk to influence Liverpool U-turn
Man Utd news: Alex Ferguson's contract terminated as Zinedine Zidane backed for move
Will UAE airlines see one-pilot operation as AI-assisted flying takes off?
'Genius' method to upcycle delivery cardboard boxes into stunning pots for your garden
Job candidate baffled by tricky brainteaser in interview – see if you can solve it
UAE: How these residents save hundreds of dirhams on children's extra classes, activities
Why Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Closing In 2025 For A Year
Rashifal 16 October 2024: The day will be mixed and beneficial for the people of these zodiac signs, you can start new work
After 'Armed Militia' Threats, FEMA Resumes Door-To-Door Visits In North Carolina For Hurricane Recovery