Maharashtra: What divorce? Uddhav hints BJP option is still open
What's the story
In the great circus of Indian politics, no one is a permanent enemy or friend. Relationships change at the drop of a hat, and Shiv Sena boss Uddhav Thackeray proved the same yesterday.
After a bitter divorce with BJP, which ensured Maharashtra doesn't get a government even after 20 days of election results, Uddhav didn't explicitly say they were separated.
What's going on, really?
Split
Are they friends or not? In politics, you'll never know
"Fast friends" BJP and Sena fought October 21 polls together but things took a dramatic turn after results came out three days later.
Not only did Sena demand plum ministerial posts, but asked for rotational Chief Minister arrangement.
BJP disagreed and tried placating Sena, but the latter remained firm. Their fight snowballed to a point that Maharashtra is currently under President's Rule.
Statement
Why are you in hurry, Thackeray on BJP question
Yesterday, while addressing the press after President's Rule was imposed, Thackeray was asked if BJP is a bygone chapter.
As he sat beside his son Aaditya, the Sena chief said, "Why are you in such a hurry? It's politics. President has given us six months' time."
He, however, blamed BJP for not keeping the promise, allegedly made before Lok Sabha polls.
Quote
I didn't finish BJP option, he stressed
"I didn't finish the BJP option, it is the BJP that ended it. Before the Lok Sabha polls, the situation was such that the BJP wouldn't win more than 200-220 seats. It was I who went along with the BJP in the dark," he said.
Twitter Post
You can watch the video here
#WATCH Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray reacts to a question 'Is the BJP option completely finished?'. Says, "Why are you in such a hurry? It's politics. 6 months time has been given (President's Rule). I didn't finish the BJP option, it was BJP itself which did that..." pic.twitter.com/3pew41hMuF
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2019
Looking back
Days ago, Thackeray said all BJP does is lie
These comments came days after Thackeray attacked BJP's top brass incessantly.
"I am not a BJP wala. I do not lie. They had promised us and are now going back on their words," he had said.
He also added, "Equal sharing of power was agreed upon in Amit Shah's presence. I am shocked and hurt over being labeled a a liar by the BJP."
Editorial
Separately, today, Sena said it could become "Neelkanth"
A day after Thackeray's words gave another turn to the tussle, Sena's mouthpiece Saamana said the party was prepared to become Neelkanth for Maharashtra's political stability.
Defending Sena's decision of joining hands with NCP and Congress, the editorial reminded that BJP also teamed up with PDP.
The Governor was also questioned for giving more time to BJP, but not to Sena.
Quote
In language of Hindutva, we are committed towards Shivaji: Sena
"We are now prepared to end the instability in Maharashtra by assuming the role of Neelkanth. To explain that in the language of Hindutva, Chhatrapati Shivaji worshipped Lord Shiva who consumed poison, and the Sena is devoted to Shivaji," the editorial read.