Thackeray mocked at the BJP leaders’ statements that discussions between the two were still on
Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief. (Photo: PTI/File)
Mumbai/New Delhi: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, without waiting for the BJP’s reply, on Monday made it clear his party would sit in Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Mr Thackeray even mocked at the BJP leaders’ statements that discussions between the two were still on, but appeared open to conciliatory talks with the BJP over participation in the government “whenever it comes forward”.
Shiv Sena group leader Eknath Shinde submitted a letter to the secretary of the Assembly claiming the post of Leader of the Opposition. "We have claimed the post of Opposition leader. I waited till the last minute. But BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy is still saying that we are discussing it with Sena. Okay, keep the discussions on, but we will sit in Opposition," Mr Thackeray told his party workers while addressing a programme at Rangsharada auditorium Monday evening.
The Sena leader had on Sunday given an ultimatum to the BJP objecting to the NCP’s direct or indirect support to the government. However, before the BJP could react officially, the Sena declared its decision. Meanwhile, NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Monday said he had never spoken about a stable government for the next five years.
Mr Pawar’s remark put a question mark on the stability of the BJP’s minority government in the state, especially when the Shiv Sena is preparing to sit in Opposition. Mr Pawar first reiterated that his party would extend unconditional support to the BJP for a stable government, and that this was a conscious and collective decision. "We want stability in the state. If there are elections again in three to four months, the state cannot afford it. Fresh elections would be a huge burden on the state exchequer and administration," Mr Pawar said. Eventually, when a journalist said, "You wanted a stable government for the next five years", Mr Pawar interrupted and said, "This was what you said and I haven’t." His reaction surprised everyone.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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