Next Maharashtra chief minister will be from Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Next Maharashtra chief minister will be from Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray

Hindustan Times, Mumbai | By
Jun 19, 2018 11:34 PM IST

Speaking at the Shiv Sena’s 52nd foundation day, Uddhav Thackeray sent out mixed signals — he continued to criticise the BJP and PM Modi, but did not talk on the issue of the alliance, or comment on his son and Sena’s youth wing chief Aaditya’s remark earlier in the day that the party would go solo.

The next Maharashtra chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena, its chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Tuesday, as he continued to play hardball with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — its ally in the state and the Centre — which is attempting to convince the Sena about teaming up ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the BJP’s decision to pull out of its alliance with the People’s Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, but also attacked the Centre for suspending security operations in the state during Ramzan.(PTI)
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the BJP’s decision to pull out of its alliance with the People’s Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, but also attacked the Centre for suspending security operations in the state during Ramzan.(PTI)

“The next chief minister of Maharashtra will be from Shiv Sena; I am determined and moving ahead with this resolve.” Uddhav’s comments come just weeks after BJP’s national president Amit Shah met him in Mumbai on June 6 to mend ties.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking at his party’s 52nd foundation day, Uddhav sent out mixed signals — he continued to criticise the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but did not talk on the issue of the alliance, or comment on his son and Sena’s youth wing chief Aaditya’s remark earlier in the day that the party would go solo; he welcomed the BJP’s decision to pull out of its alliance with the People’s Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, but also attacked the Centre for suspending security operations in the state during Ramzan.

“We welcome the decision to pull out of the J&K government, but it took three years to come to this decision. Over 600 soldiers have died during this time. If terrorists don’t have a religion, why announce the unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir during Ramzan? Pakistan has never announced a ceasefire during Diwali, Navratri or Ganpati,” Uddhav said. He, however, was clear when he said he will not join the third front, which is being formed to take on the BJP.

Thackeray also mocked the BJP’s membership drive while kicking off his own party’s membership drive, with an aim to get a crore members. “I don’t believe in membership drives through missed calls, it should happen in person.” The BJP had carried out a membership drive where people could enroll by giving a missed call.

On the third front, Uddhav sent out a clear message to Sharad Pawar and the other political parties that he would not be a part of it. “Now, like-minded parties are coming together, but like-mindedness is not that our party should come to power, or we would get this portfolio. Like-mindedness is to know what the people of the country want and work towards it. I would come together for such a cause, but which is the party that has this aim?” he asked.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Swapnil Rawal is Principal Correspondent with the Hindustan Times. He covers urban development and infrastructure. He had long stints with leading national dailies and has experience of over a decade in journalism.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 25, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On