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Published 15:44 IST, August 29th 2019

NCP MLA meets Uddhav Thackeray amid rumours of joining Sena

NCP MLA Avadhut Tatkare meets Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and conveyed his choice to 'stay in mainstream politics' amid speculation of him quitting NCP

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Amid speculations that he may quit the NCP, party MLA Avadhut Tatkare on Thursday met Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai and said he wants to stay in "mainstream politics".

Rumours have been doing the rounds that the MLA, who represents Shrivardhan Assembly seat in Maharashtra's Raigad district, and his uncle and NCP MP Sunil Tatkare may join the Shiv Sena, which is an ally of the ruling BJP in the state and at the Centre.

Sunil Tatkare, the Lok Sabha member from Raigad constituency, earlier denied the rumours.

However, his nephew, who met Thackeray at the latter's residence in suburban Bandra, said he cannot confirm anything, but asserted he wants to stay in mainstream politics.

READ | Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena Ropes In Prashant Kishor To Strategise For Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Aaditya Thackeray To Be Pitched As 'new Hope'

"I met Uddhav Thackeray to remain in mainstream politics. I will announce my official decision in next two days," Avadhut Tatkare told reporters here.

Asked if he would part ways with his uncle, he said, "I would take a decision after consultation with my party workers and close aides. I need some time to make a statement on the same. I cannot confirm anything but I want to stay in mainstream politics and as part of it, I met Thackeray."

Several senior leaders from the opposition NCP and Congress have recently joined the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena in the state, where the Assembly polls are due in September-October.

Six-time legislator Dilip Sopal earlier this week resigned from the Sharad Pawar-led party and joined the Shiv Sena on Wednesday.

READ | Shiv Sena Rejects Post Of Deputy Chief Minister After Devendra Fadnavis And Uddhav Thackeray's Meeting Ahead Of Cabinet Expansion, Say Sources

Updated 13:52 IST, August 30th 2019