India, June 25 -- A Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting called to discuss future political strategy and showcase opposition unity witnessed a disappointing turnout on Wednesday, with only 36 of the alliance's 60 legislators in attendance. Prominent NCP (SP) leaders, including party chief Sharad Pawar and former Maharashtra unit president Jayant Patil, were also absent from the meeting.

The meeting assumed significance as it was held against the backdrop of a fresh split in Shiv Sena (UBT) and speculation about further defections from opposition parties. It was intended to project unity and solidarity. The poor attendance, however, diluted the message.

Addressing the gathering, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urged alliance par...