A day after its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners, NCP and Shiv Sena, clarified that they have no intention to enter into an alliance with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the Congress too made it clear that it does not want to have anything to do with AIMIM which the party claimed is the "B-team" of BJP.
Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said his party has not received any proposal for an alliance with AIMIM and that "there is a need to be cautious of such parties which attempt to defeat secular parties."
AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel had recently said the Shiv Sena cannot single-handledly defeat the saffron party. "That is why they need the support of Congress and NCP. I propose that let us add another wheel to the (three-wheeled) autorickshaw and make it a comfortable car."
Kharge too echoed the allegation of the Shiv Sena that the AIMIM is working at the behest of the BJP.
He said a strategy for an alliance is discussed within the party.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, on Sunday, rejected AIMIM's offer, calling it a "conspiracy" by the saffron party to defame the Sena.
“Who has sought an alliance with the AIMIM? This is a game plan and conspiracy of the BJP. The AIMIM and the BJP have a tacit understanding. The BJP has ordered the AIMIM to defame the Shiv Sena, to raise questions on Shiv Sena's Hindutva. Accordingly, the AIMIM leaders are making the offer of alliance,” Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters, quoting Thackeray.
