Sanjay Raut defends Uddhav Thackeray's push for decision on CM's face from MVA allies

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday defended party chief Uddhav Thackeray's push for decision on CM's face from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections , reported the PTI.

Uddhav Thackeray has demonstrated largeness of heart by offering support to any leader from the Congress and NCP (SP) for the chief minister's post, party MP Sanjay Raut said, as per the PTI.

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Sanjay Raut refuted claims of pressure politics behind Thackeray's call for the MVA allies to declare their chief ministerial candidate ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.

He stressed that Uddhav Thackeray, as a former chief minister, is widely acceptable and that his stance benefits Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters, Sanjay Raut asked the ruling Mahayuti, comprising Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP, and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, to declare their CM face.

"Uddhav Thackeray showed largeness of heart (by extending support to anyone the MVA dims fit for the CM's post). It was not pressure politics. This stand benefits Maharashtra," the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP said, as per the PTI.

Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a meeting of Maha Vikas Aghadi on Friday, insisted the opposition alliance decide its chief ministerial face first rather than going by the logic of which party wins most seats, asserting he would back any candidate announced by the Congress and NCP (SP).

Despite Uddhav Thackeray's appeal, the Nationalist Congess Party (NCP SP) president Sharad Pawar refrained from speaking on the issue. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole stated the decision on CM's post lies with INDIA bloc leaders.

"What is wrong with Uddhav Thackeray's demand? Thackeray is a former chief minister. His face is acceptable to everyone. He didn't speak about himself. If anyone has the courage, they should declare its CM face," Sanjay Raut said, according to the news agency.

Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely in October or November.

Uddhav Thackeray shared his experience with former ally BJP on the 'maximum seats-CM candidate' logic.

"First, decide (the CM's face) and then go ahead but do not go by this policy (those having the most seats will get the CM's post). Uddhav Thackeray will back any candidate announced by Congress and NCP (SP) as the CM face of MVA. I don't feel that I am fighting for myself but it is for the rights of Maharashtra," Uddhav Thackeray said.

(with PTI inputs)