Sending out a clear message to Shiv Sena workers to start preparing to go solo for the upcoming BMC polls, party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that he would not compromise with ally BJP over ‘unreasonable’ demands. Mr Thackeray said that he felt that the Sena-BJP alliance should remain intact, but after the experience in the last Assembly polls, his party would not give into pressure by the alliance partner. When Mr Thackeray asked in the rally if the workers wanted the alliance, they replied with a resounding “no”.
On the 50th foundation day of the party celebrated at suburban Goregaon, Mr Thackeray hailed his party workers for their contribution so far. He even took the opportunity to respond to criticism on why he joined hands with the BJP despite breaking the alliance. He said it was to overthrow the corrupt Congress and NCP government.
Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit wished the Sena on the occasion through a video clip. The Sena chief distributed keys and permits of auto rickshaws to widows of farmers, tablets with school syllabus to children and mobile health centre keys to women.
“There are elections in nine municipal corporations. I do not know what will happen with the alliance. I will take that decision. But we will have to be ready to win elections on our own strength,” Mr Thackeray said in his speech.
“I never wanted to break the alliance then, but I will not compromise. If we continue with the alliance, it would have to be with pride, not with helplessness. I know that you all will support me,” he further said.
Referring to a comment by Union minister and BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu about continuing the alliance, Mr Thackeray said, “I am happy that Venkaiahji spoke good about the Sena. But, also see what your state president (Raosaheb Danve) has said. I will not compromise over unreasonable demands for the alliance.” Mr Danve had said not to go to polls with the Sena.
The Sena chief also claimed credit for getting 63 MLAs elected to the Assembly despite an atmosphere that was in favour of BJP. “The Assembly polls were conducted within four months of the Lok Sabha polls. BJP had gained power with a huge majority and had tremendous influence on the people. We were busy in making an alliance, but it did not happen. The Prime Minister addressed 27 rallies in the state. It is very natural that a Prime Minister or chief minister can influence masses more than anyone else. But still we managed 63 seats. It is your success,” he told the workers.
“We joined the government because there was a shift in power after years. A Hindutvavadi government was to form. We didn’t care about which portfolios we got, but joined hands with them (BJP),” he added.
Mr Thackeray even urged chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to curb inflation and said all Sena ministers would support him. Taking a dig at BJP, Mr Thackeray said he didn’t know about achche din, but wanted to see satisfied faces among the people.
