Legislators take gripes against ministers to Uddhav Thackeray

Disappointed with senior Shiv Sena ministers, more than a dozen of dissatisfied Sena legislators took their grievances to party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Shivalaya located at Nariman Point on Thursday. Mr Thackeray who heard them assured them that he would look into the matter. He said the whip and the guardian minister would hold a joint meeting in future to resort such issues.

It’s Mr Thackeray’s practice to meet party legislators to meet during or before a state legislature session. On Thursday, more than 10 to 12 legislators met Mr Uddhav. A livid legislators from Marathwada said on condition of anonymity that leaders who actually worked were deprived of ministerial berths whereas those who hardly worked got more than two portfolios. Without naming any minister, he made it amply clear that his target was industries minister Subhash Desai and road transport minister Diwakar Raote.

According to party insider, most of the party legislators, including those of BJP too, were unhappy with the ministers. “Though they are from our party, they do not respect Shivsainiks who came to Mantralaya with their grievances. As it is, we neglected by the BJP ministers; we brought this to Uddavji’s attention,” said a source.

The source further said that if not BJP minister, at least those from Sena should heed to party cadre. Mr Thackeray has assured a joint meeting of whip, legislators and the guardian minister who would listen to grievances of the cadres. Sunil Prabhu is the whip in the Lower House whereas Dr Neelam Gorhe is the whip is Upper House.

A source said that the whip would report to party chief Mr Thackeray as he alone would not be able to address all the grievances of the legislators.

Meanwhile, Mr Thackeray said it was natural for legislators to have certain expectations from ministers. “I have taken up the issue and will sort it out very soon,” he said.