Call on alliance soon, says Shiv Sena

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is not paying attention to his party’s demands and works in constituencies represented by Sena MLAs are pending. “We have almost reached a decision on the alliance,” Mr Raut said after Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray met all MLAs at Matoshree on Monday.

Sena MLAs have been complaining about the treatment meted out to them by BJP ministers. Earlier, Sena ministers had met CM Fadnavis and submitted the memorandum of demands made by its MLAs. Mr Fadnavis had assured them help. 

However, in Monday’s meeting, Sena MLAs expressed their anger, saying that “nothing has changed”. 

Sources said that many Sena MLAs even made a demand to leave the government and sit in opposition. The MLAs added that they would prefer to sit in the opposition as the government is unwilling to help them.  

But, a few MLAs also expressed their inability to go for polls in case of withdrawing support to the BJP in the state. 

“We don’t have money to fight elections so early. Other side’s candidates (BJP) would use the money. How would we fight in such case?,” asked party’s two-term MLA from Western Maharashtra in the meeting. 

After looking at the infighting between leaders, Uddhav Thackeray intervened. 

“If all of you (MLAs) are ready then I will quit the government right now. Let’s give BJP last warning. Even if then they don’t listen then we are free to take a decision,” assured Mr Thackeray to MLAs in the meeting, claimed a source. 

After the meeting, Shiv Sena MP Raut briefed the media. 

He denied the reports of infighting between Sena leader in front of Mr Thackeray. 

“All MLAs are with Uddhavji. We have given him the right to take the decision. We have total confidence in his leadership,” said Mr Raut.