MPCC to seek opinion on alliance with NCP for local body polls

Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) Maharashtra Pradesh CongressCommittee (MPCC) has decided to seek opinion of its localleaders on whether to contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad andmunicipal corporation elections slated later this year andearly 2012 alone or in alliance with NCP.

The MPCC appointed observers will meet the local leadersin the 27 Zilla Parishads and nine municipal corporations totake stock of the political situation and discuss politicalstrategies for the polls.

"The state unit will ascertain their views and then takea final decision on the matter," sources said and added thatthe observers have been asked to submit their report byFebruary 28.

MPCC sources said the observers have been asked to meetlocal elected representatives including former legislators,MPs and office-bearers in order to end factionalism.

"We have been asked to individually interact with all thelocal leaders and ascertain their views on whether to contestthe elections on our own or form alliance with NCP and otherlike-minded parties. Similarly, the state unit will take alongthe youth, women''s wings of the party in the decision making,"sources said.

MPCC president Manikrao Thakre chaired the meeting ofobservers at Tilak Bhavan today as part of the preparationsfor the crucial local bodies polls.

Sources said the Mumbai unit of the party will takedecisions regarding the civic polls in the megapolis, alsoscheduled to be held in February 2012.