Twitter
Advertisement

Maharashtra: Here's BJP's 'plan B' if Shiv Sena quits coalition government

The frayed relationship between saffron allies--the BJP and Shiv Sena--on Monday came under fresh strain with the latter saying it will soon decide on whether to continue in the two-party coalition government in Maharashtra.

Latest News
article-main
Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would complete his five-year tenure, even if Shiv Sena decides to quit the government in Maharashtra. According to a media report, BJP has a plan B in place which aims at surviving on the support of smaller organisations and independent members to reach the magic figure of 145, required to retain power. 

On Monday, Shiv Sena dropped enough hints that it plans to quit the coalition government in Maharashtra. But BJP appears ready to face the challenge, says a report in The Indian Express. A senior BJP functionary, requesting not to be named, told The Indian Express, “If Shiv Sena walks out of the government, we have plan B in place. There is absolutely no threat to the Fadnavis government.”

According to report, BJP has decided not to depend on any one political party to cobble up the numbers. BJP has 123 MLAs in the 288 seats Maharashtra Assembly. The party has claimed that it has garnered the support of 22 MLAs which makes their strength reach 145, mentions the report. 

The frayed relationship between saffron allies--the BJP and Shiv Sena--on Monday came under fresh strain with the latter saying it will soon decide on whether to continue in the two-party coalition government in Maharashtra.

After a meeting of senior party functionaries, MPs and legislators called by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, its Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut castigated the BJP-led governments in Maharashtra and at the Centre, and said the party was "very close" to taking a decision on its continuance in government.

"We are very close to taking a decision (on whether to continue in the government)... wait and watch. There is tremendous resentment among the people in Maharashtra and across the country.

"There are various issues people are facing due to the inefficiency of the government. The Shiv Sena does not want to be a part of all this," Raut told journalists.

While he castigated both the Devendra Fadnavis dispensation in Maharashtra and the Modi government at the Centre, he only spoke about giving an ultimatum to the former before taking a call on whether or not to continue being part of it.

"Uddhavji will give an ultimatum to the chief minister and then take a decision (on continuing in the government)," Raut said.

Shiv Sena has 12 ministers in the Fadnavis government, including five of the Cabinet rank. Maharashtra has a 39- member council of ministers. The BJP's oldest saffron ally has just one minister in the Modi Cabinet and has often voiced its unhappiness over it.

(With PTI inputs)

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement