Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
Aurangabad:Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday addressed the leaders including Union minister Raosaheb Danve at a function here as former and possible “future colleagues”, leading to speculation as to whether a political realignment was in the offing in the state.
The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena parted ways with the BJP after the 2019 Assembly polls and formed government with the NCP and Congress.
Addressing the dignitaries on the dais at a function, Thackeray said, “My former, current, and if we come together, future colleagues.” Danve, a BJP leader from Maharashtra, was present, so was senior state minister Balasaheb Thorat of Congress.
Later, speaking to reporters at another event, Thackeray clarified that he said former and current colleagues because there were leaders from all parties on the dais. “If everybody comes together, they can become future colleagues too. Time will tell,” he added cryptically.
Notably, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil had said earlier this week that he should be no longer called a ‘former state minister’ as things will change in the next couple of days.
Reacting to Thackeray’s remarks, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis told reporters elsewhere that he must have realized that the state was suffering because of the Sena’s “unnatural alliance” with the NCP and Congress.
“He must have expressed his thoughts after realizing what kind of people he is working with….Everything is possible in politics, but the state BJP is not eyeing power. We are an efficient opposition party and will continue our work,” the former chief minister added.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut sought to downplay Thackeray’s comments, stating that Danve was everybody’s friend.
“When he was state BJP chief, all was well. There is nothing earth-shaking in the comment. Those who want to come with us can join and become future colleagues. Don’t read too much into this,” Raut added.
He also claimed that he had learnt that Chandrakant Patil was offered the post of Nagaland governor by the BJP.
Speaking to reporters later, Union minister Danve said Thackeray must have had some experience after working with the NCP and Congress for the last two years, making him rethink his decision to sever ties with the BJP.
“Shiv Sena and BJP were in alliance for 25-30 years. All of a sudden the Sena left us and joined the Congress and NCP. Actually the mandate was for the Shiv Sena and BJP alliance,” he said.
“This government has completed two years and the chief minister might have had some experience. Out of this experience he might have spoken such things,” the BJP leader said.
When asked if there were any indications that the saffron alliance may be revived, Danve said “some churning” will take place after such public statements.
