Why did Shinde revolt towards Uddhav? Now Maharashtra CM, here is what he has to say

By Express News Service

Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister Eknath Shinde says two elements led him to revolt towards the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena: One, the NCP was working to weaken the Shiv Sena with none verify and, second, his ex-boss and former CM Uddhav Thackeray didn’t hearken to him. He calls BJP a pure ally, stressing that since he has the numbers on his aspect, no Sena MLA ought to go to courtroom.

Excerpts from an interview with Sudhir Suryavanshi:

You had been as soon as very near Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Why did you revolt?

For about two-and-a-half years, we stayed with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). As a celebration, we weren’t gaining something on the bottom. On the opposite hand, NCP ministers had been increasing the social gathering for the subsequent meeting polls in 2024. There was no planning in our social gathering. The elected Shiv Sena MLAs had been stressed and significantly upset with NCP’s Ajit Pawar, the ex-finance minister, who was vigorously backing his social gathering. It pressured us to search out out methods to outlive in politics.

I met our management 5 occasions, however it was in useless. I used to be frightened about saving the social gathering. Therefore, 40 of us took the aware choice to tie up with our pure ally, the BJP.

There had been allegations that as a result of stress of Central companies, you and others left the social gathering?

There is not any reality in these allegations. I’ve confronted police circumstances… was in jail for 40 days once we protested to incorporate Belgaum in Maharashtra. My solely asset is individuals and their love. Only a few MLAs who’re beneath the scanner of Central companies. The relaxation don’t have anything to do with the ED or some other Central probe.

What was that which compelled you to revolt?

From 2014 to 2019, the BJP was prepared to supply me the Deputy CM’s publish, however our management didn’t settle for it. When the MVA authorities got here into being, I used to be one of many claimants for the CM’s chair since I got here from the most important social gathering within the MVA. However, our social gathering president advised us that the Congress and NCP wished him (Uddhav) because the CM. I used to be given the Urban Development Ministry the place a number of individuals interfered. Then, for the legislative council polls, I used to be not even consulted.

To what extent do you blame Sanjay Raut for the Sena disaster?

As Sena leaders, we’ve by no means spoken towards one another overtly. However, this time, a few of the social gathering leaders referred to as us names and even insulted girls MLAs who got here with us. Balasaheb Thackeray by no means tolerated a phrase towards girls. One the one hand, the social gathering management urged us to return and speak, and on the opposite, a few of the social gathering leaders had been ridiculing us, asking individuals to assault MLAs’ homes, tear our posters and banners.

NCP’s Sharad Pawar says your authorities won’t final lengthy…

Pawar is a really senior chief of India. I’ve labored along with his social gathering. One factor we should always perceive is that no matter Pawar saheb speaks, precisely the other occurs. Therefore, our authorities won’t fall quickly. We are assured that Shiv Sena and BJP will get greater than 200 MLAs within the subsequent election.

Will you disqualify the 14 Sena MLAs who violated your faction’s whip through the Speaker’s election?

We have lodged complaints towards these MLAs. The Speaker will resolve. They ought to perceive that we’ve a confirmed majority. In democracy, the numbers matter, subsequently, they need to not go to courtroom. They ought to enable us to work for the individuals.