Want a ‘respectable’ BJP-Shiv Sena union: Maharashtra CM

After the war of words between the BJP and Shiva Sena, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that he was in favour of his party forging an alliance with the Sena for the civic polls scheduled next year, provided both the sides agree on a “respectable” formula.

The chief minister told The Asian Age that both the partners shared a common ideology and hence an alliance was possible. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had also said earlier that he was keen for an alliance with the BJP but would not compromise on unreasonable demands. “We have had an alliance with the Sena for the last 25 years. Hindutva and nationalism connect us together. There are a number of issues on which we do not agree. However, we are still together because of a common agenda. We are ready for an alliance for the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) poll provided we can settle on a respectable formula,” Mr Fadnavis said. He also added the BJP had already started preparing for the BMC polls. After the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in 2014, the BJP emerged as the big brother in the alliance which had hitherto been a position enjoyed by Sena. It is expected that the BJP having increased its strength in the alliance vis-a-vis the Sena will now start flexing its muscle demanding more seats.

Sources in the BJP said the party wanted at least 100 seats this time. However, the Sena has been less than benevolent on that front. In the 2012 BMC poll, the Sena contested 117 seats winning 75, while the BJP put up candidates for 62 seats emerging victorious in 31 constituencies.

When asked about the acrimonious verbal exchange between the allies, the CM made light of it and said, “We point out things that we do not like. There is nothing wrong in pointing out each other’s mistakes,” Mr Fadnavis said.