Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Fueled fresh speculation in political circles about a possible remake of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, when he referred to Union ministers Raosaheb Danve and BJP’s Bhagwat Karad as potential “future allies”.
Political pundits wondered whether Thackeray’s remarks were filled with humour or whether he was dropping a big hint. However, former CM Devendra Fadnavis ruled out the possibility of former saffron allies coming together.
Speaking at an event in Aurangabad, where he shared the stage with Danve, Thackeray said, “Here are my present in the present, the former… and if we come together, my future allies.” Danve is the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways and BJP MP from Jalna. Karad is the Union Minister of State for Finance.
In his speech, Thackeray said, “I like the railways for a reason. You can’t change direction except on the tracks. But if there is a turn you can come to our station. The engine doesn’t leave the tracks.” Thackeray, whose party Shiv Sena has opposed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, also said he would extend full support if Danve took the initiative to start the Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train project.
The CM’s remarks came a day after BJP’s state unit chief Chandrakant Patil said he should not be called a “former minister”. Also, at present, Shiv Sena minister Anil Parab is facing summons from the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. Asked about his remarks and a possible alliance with the BJP, Thackeray later told media persons that “only time will tell”.
BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Devendra Fadnavis ruled out the possibility of an alliance, but Danve decided to add to the speculation. “The chief minister must have said this because he felt that the unnatural alliance of three parties is not likely to last long,” he said.
Later on Friday, Danve met Shiv Sena minister Abdul Sattar. “They have said that if they come together, that means they haven’t ruled out the possibility of us coming together,” Danve said. “It means he may have had some experience with allies of the Congress and the NCP,” he said.
State Congress chief Nana Patole downplayed the comments. “The CM likes to joke sometimes. This government will complete its five-year term,” Patole said.
(with PTI inputs)
Political pundits wondered whether Thackeray’s remarks were filled with humour or whether he was dropping a big hint. However, former CM Devendra Fadnavis ruled out the possibility of former saffron allies coming together.
Speaking at an event in Aurangabad, where he shared the stage with Danve, Thackeray said, “Here are my present in the present, the former… and if we come together, my future allies.” Danve is the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways and BJP MP from Jalna. Karad is the Union Minister of State for Finance.
In his speech, Thackeray said, “I like the railways for a reason. You can’t change direction except on the tracks. But if there is a turn you can come to our station. The engine doesn’t leave the tracks.” Thackeray, whose party Shiv Sena has opposed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, also said he would extend full support if Danve took the initiative to start the Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train project.
The CM’s remarks came a day after BJP’s state unit chief Chandrakant Patil said he should not be called a “former minister”. Also, at present, Shiv Sena minister Anil Parab is facing summons from the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. Asked about his remarks and a possible alliance with the BJP, Thackeray later told media persons that “only time will tell”.
BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Devendra Fadnavis ruled out the possibility of an alliance, but Danve decided to add to the speculation. “The chief minister must have said this because he felt that the unnatural alliance of three parties is not likely to last long,” he said.
Later on Friday, Danve met Shiv Sena minister Abdul Sattar. “They have said that if they come together, that means they haven’t ruled out the possibility of us coming together,” Danve said. “It means he may have had some experience with allies of the Congress and the NCP,” he said.
State Congress chief Nana Patole downplayed the comments. “The CM likes to joke sometimes. This government will complete its five-year term,” Patole said.
(with PTI inputs)
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