Narendra Modi-Sharad Pawar meet angers Shiv Sena

Modi would be visiting Baramati on Saturday and in addition to sharing dais at public functions the both would be sitting together for a luncheon meeting. The PM's visit has led to speculations in political circles since both Pawar and Modi admire each other's capacities in private but criticise each other in public for obvious reasons.

The war of words between the ministers of the alliance partners in the state is only getting worsened with every passing day. Sena's ministers of states (MoSs), including Sanjay Rathod and Ravindra Waikar had raised their voices for being neglected. CM Devendra Fadnavis, meanwhile, claimed in Nashik on Wednesday that there has been clear cut demarcation between the responsibilities of MoS and cabinet ministers.

He also pointed out that MoSs of BJP are working under Sena cabinet ministers as well. "Now both the parties have settled for a coordination committee which will be meeting for the first time on Monday," said Sena leader Anil Desai MP.

On the other hand Congress is continuing its allegation that Pawar had an understanding with BJP much before the assembly elections. Pawar, while addressing party leaders at a two-day conclave in Balewadi last week, instructed the party leaders to work towards replacing Congress and occupying opposition space in the state, which too didn't go down well with the grand old party.

In such a scenario, Modi's Baramati visit will come in handy for Pawar's NCP to send a signal to Congress while same is the case with BJP. While demonstrating development model in Baramati, Pawar can assert his position in the state as well.

Meanwhile, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, an alliance partner in Fadnavis government has criticised Modi for visiting Baramati. Raju Shetty said Modi should also visit Madha, a Lok Sabha constituency which Pawar represented but did anything.

Sources told dna that Pawar had a closed door meeting with CM Fadnavis. NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare, however, said there was nothing to be read into if such a meeting had taken place since anyone would like to take guidance from seasoned and veteran leader like Pawar saheb.