Uddhav Thackeray declares war against BJP

Affirms in his first rally after split from BJP that next CM will be from Shiv Sena

Now I have decided that the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be from Shiv Sena and I will do anything to ensure this,” these were the words of Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray while addressing an electoral rally for the first time after his party split from the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP). Thackeray blamed the BJP and its state leaders for the split, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never ditch an alliance.

Shiva Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray held a rally yesterday at Mahalaxmi Race Course. Pic/Rane Ashish

Thackeray started off his speech by stating that Eknath Khadse had called him to tell that the BJP core committee had decided to break the saffron alliance. He said, “I remember Pramod Mahajan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Gopinath Munde even today. I had assured Pankaja (Munde) that we will stand with her and hence we haven’t fielded any candidates against Pankaja and Pritam (Munde).” Sena is contesting 286 seats in the upcoming state assembly elections. Two seats have been left for Pankaja and Geeta Gawli.

Trying to strike an emotional chord with Sena supporters, he added, “If you think I broke the alliance for CM’s post then I take the responsibility of breaking the alliance. But why was BJP asking for more seats? They wanted to us give them the Bhusawal seat. Why should we when we have a candidate? Now I will ensure that the next CM is from Sena.”

He also said that he expected people from all casts and communities to vote for the Sena and assured everyone that the party would fulfill its promises. The Sena supremo also urged Republican party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale to join the party and assured him that he would make him deputy chief minister.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!