Contesting LS polls a matter of survival for MNS: Prithviraj Chavan

"It's a question of their (MNS') survival, because of which they had to take the decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls," Chavan told reporters.

Raj Thackeray had on Monday announced MNS' support for the BJP's PM nominee and also released first list of party candidates for Lok Sabha polls.

"It would have been surprising had MNS not contested Lok Sabha elections," Chavan said.

When asked if Raj Thackeray's move would benefit ruling Congress-NCP combine alike in 2009, Chavan refused to comment.

Political circles are abuzz with speculation whether MNS' entry into the poll fray will ensure the 2009 encore when the then fledgling outfit ate into Shiv Sena-BJP combine's votes in six parliamentary constituencies of Mumbai and at other seats as well, largely benefiting Congress and NCP.

State unit Congress president Manikrao Thakre snubbed Raj, saying "both Shiv Sena and MNS are same. Their ideologies do not differ from each other. We are stronger in Maharashtra and will remain number one here".

(Agencies)

Source: Politicians News

Kolkata rally: Controversy over landing permission for Modi's chopper

"We have got the permission finally from the Ministry of Defence. After media reports, the Centre was forced to give permission as a damage control measure," West Bengal BJP president Rahul Sinha said.
  
Modi's schedule remained unchanged and after landing at the NSC Bose International Airport he would board a helicopter to the race course ground, which is controlled by the Army authorities.
  
He is scheduled to address a public rally at the Brigade Parade Ground on Wednesday.
  
Earlier in the day, the party had claimed the Army refused permission for the helicopter to land at the race course ground since it could only be used by the President or Prime Minister and not a political person.
  
"If they had told us two or three days ago, then we could have made other arrangements. The Central government is playing dirty and cheap politics," Sinha alleged.
  
The BJP leader said that it was planned to bring Modi by chopper from the airport to avoid traffic snarls. Gujarat Government had written to the army authorities seeking permission for Modi's helicopter to land at the race course ground.
  
Sinha said that a three-tier security cordon was in place for Modi's rally with the first being manned by the NSG and Gujarat security officials, the second by the Kolkata police and the third by 1070 BJP cadres under 52 observers.
  
Six watch towers and CCTV cameras would keep a watch on the crowd. The Army spokesperson could not be contacted despite several attempts.

(Agencies)

Source: Politicians News