MNS aligning with NDA? Ramdas Athawale says he has no problem

MUMBAI: Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale, who had so far opposed making MNS a partner of the Shiv Sena-BJP led alliance in Maharashtra, today said he would welcome the Raj Thackeray-led party.

The statement assumes significance, as it comes after BJP leader Nitin Gadkari met Raj Thackeray here today.

RPI is a member of the Shiv Sena-BJP led alliance of five opposition parties in the state, called 'Maha-yuti' (mega-alliance).

The other two members are Raju Shetti's Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and Mahadeo Jankar's RSP.

"We would welcome Raj Thackeray if he joins the Maha-yuti," Athawale said here this evening.