Shiv Sena is on the back-foot over promotion of Aaditya as its CM face

Mumbai: Once it considered itself to be the elder brother to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Maharashtra politics – Shiv Sena has now come down to accepting younger brother’s role post 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. In the ensuing October 21 state assembly polls, the Sena which was adamant over fifty percent seat share and deputy chief minister post, has not only accepted the humiliating seat sharing, but also withdrawn its assertion that Aaditya Thackeray would be next chief minister of Maharashtra.

Both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray together spoke to the media on Friday in Mumbai. Replying to a question about Aaditya’s Chief Ministerial promotion, Uddhav said, Aaditya has now entered in active politics. It is his first step and it does not mean that he would become the CM in his first attempt (in politics). He further said, “There should not be any objection from anyone to dream (of becoming CM). It is his first step. You can ask Aaditya what is his political dream.” Fadnavis claimed that Aaditya would be elected to the legislative assembly with the highest margin from Mumbai.

Sena has projected Aaditya as Chief ministerial candidate. The Yuva Sena president has toured across the state to get blessing of the people. However, the Sena is contesting only 124 seats of total 288 seats, whereas BJP is contesting 150 seats. The small alliance partners are contesting 14 seats.

Speaking on alliance, Uddhav said that he has agreed for alliance for the sake of development of Maharashtra. “There was a need to maintain the relations (with BJP). It was a matured decision,” said Uddhav and added the political atmosphere is not like it was at the time of 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

CM Fadnavis warned rebel candidates that they should withdraw from the poll fray, else all allies of the Mahayuti will show them their place. Replying on denial of party tickets to some senior leaders, Fadnavis said that the role of these leaders have changed. Either they will work for party organisation or would be assigned some other responsibility. He stressed that it is not the perfect word to say that the party has dropped leaders, they have been given other responsibility he added.