Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday showed positive signs of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Mr Fadnavis said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has differences of opinion with the Sena, but both parties had started holding discussions as part of their efforts to make India Congress-free. The CM’s message comes a day after both parties showed interest discussing the possibility of forging an alliance.
Addressing the state executive meeting at Thane, Mr Fadnavis told his party workers not to worry about the alliance. “We have differences of opinion with the Sena. We agree on some things and we do not on other issues because we are different parties. We have decided to have transparent functioning and started talks because, after years, a Congress-free country and Maharashtra has become a reality,” he said in his concluding speech.
Speaking on the seat-sharing pact between the Sena and BJP, Mr Fadnavis said it did not matter in the alliance. “The alliance exists not for power but to bring change in Maharashtra. We are aiming to create a transparent Maharashtra. Negotiations and seat sharing are not our agenda. But we want the common man’s life to change. The leaders will take a decision on the alliance. But you soldiers should get on the ground and fight without worrying about anything else,” he said in the meeting.
Narrating the BJP-led government’s achievements in the past two years, Mr Fadnavis said that various initiatives and decisions were taken to benefit the common man. “We started the Jalyukta Shivar scheme to facilitate farmers. We have started making 10 cities smart. We will be distributing solar pumps to farmers. We have set up a separate OBC ministry for the first time to concentrate on the community’s issues,” he said.
Attributing the electoral success in local body polls to good governance by the BJP government, Mr Fadnavis thanked the people for their faith. “Everyone has realised that this government’s emphasis is on social development and not politics. In 2014, Modiji created an atmosphere of trust in the country. The people started believing that only this man could change the existing situation and we also got elected in the state,” he said.
Chavan sings different tune
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted at forging an alliance with the Shiv Sena, but BJP leader Madhu Chavan said the party would go it alone for the polls. “BJP has done well at the Centre and in the state. We will win the whole of Maharashtra, not half. We do not want any partner taking credit for our success,” Mr Chavan said. He even added that BJP should go solo for the polls.
