“Yes, as I have already said, a number of big leaders from these three parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are in touch with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The number has grown even today,” he said, addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Friday.

However, when asked, Samant did not name anyone. The minister’s statement comes a day after his claim in Sindhudurg district where he said that 13 MLAs from Shiv Sena (UBT) and 20 MLAs from the NCP are in touch with Shinde.

Leader of Opposition and NCP MLA Ajit Pawar subsequently criticised Samant and said he wished the minister good. Recently, Pawar was among the NCP leaders speculated to be joining hands with the BJP – an allegation which he has denied.

NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the real fear of the Shinde group is the possibility of the BJP replacing Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis. “In a bid to put pressure on the BJP, Samant has been told to make such statements,” said Crasto.