Omraje Nimbalkar says he would be happiest if both Shiv Senas unite

As talk of a merger of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) gathers pace in the state and the NCP sees considerable political activity, talk of a merger of the two Shiv Senas is also being heard.

Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar had said a few days ago that he would be happy if the two Shiv Senas became one. He has now repeated the point. In his words, if the two Shiv Senas unite, no one will be happier than he will. Omraje was earlier an MP of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and has recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. His statement has given fresh political weight to the talk of the Thackeray and Shinde camps coming together. Political circles are now watching whether there is any real movement towards the two camps joining hands.

Minister Bharat Gogawale has also spoken on the issue. After the NCP merger, talk of the two Shiv Senas uniting began with a statement by minister Gulabrao Patil. Shiv Sena leaders are now responding to it, and Gogawale's reaction is drawing particular attention.

Gogawale said that going by the future visible at present, he does not feel anything of the sort will happen. But, he said, anything can happen in politics, and what is one thing in the morning can be another by evening. So, he said, it cannot be said what will happen in politics. Gogawale also said Gulabrao may have got wind of something. If so, he will ask him about it at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Asked about the two Shiv Senas uniting, Gulabrao Patil had cited the railways. He had said he could not say anything on the matter, as he is just a coach of the train. Eknath Shinde is his engine, he said, and the coach is wherever the engine is. So the coach will go wherever his engine goes. Patil thus said that whatever Eknath Shinde decides will happen.