Nitin Gadkari, former BJP President has urged Raj Thackeray on Monday not to contest the national election, due by May. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief has been told that his party should not end up dividing anti-Congress votes.

Mr.Gadkari met Mr.Thackrey for lunch at a hotel in Mumbai that time he made the proposal, that he should refrain from contesting the Lok Sabha polls to help the Shiv Sena-BJP combine, or put up candidates in the fewest seats possible. There is a speculation if his party will contest these elections then it will divide the anti-congress votes and BJP will not get the full benefit out of it.

The two leaders share good relations, however it is reported that Shiv Sena is upset after this meeting.

“Whether it is Raj Thackeray or NCP president Sharad Pawar, we are friends who share our concerns on development,” Gadkari said, adding, quickly, however, that the NCP remained a Congress ally.