Eknath Khadse, senior BJP leader and a chief ministerial aspirant, who is facing a tough battle at his home turf Muktai-nagar by Sena nominee Chandrakant Patil, slams Sena president for not knowing history and MNS chief for criticising him in public rallies, in a chat with dna's Sudhir Suryawanshi.
How confident are you of coming to power?
People are against the Congress-NCP government and they want change. The BJP will provide them a very good alternative under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will not only come to power but also get a majority. We will not need any support to form the government.
Why there is much criticism against Modi?
There is nothing wrong in Modi campaigning for elections. We have a dynamic and powerful leader and people want to listen to him. Besides, our party is a national party so most of the leaders will be from outside. The Sena, NCP and MNS are regional parties, therefore their leaders will be from Maharashtra. Maharashtra is a very important state for the BJP. We have been facing a lot of hurdles while clearing bills in Rajya Sabha. If we come to power in major states then our strength in Rajya Sabha will increase. Besides, to approve bills and make major constitutional changes, you need majority in states also. Therefore, Modi is putting a lot of effort to win Maharashtra.
You are a CM candidate but Modi has indirectly shown favour towards state BJP unit Devendra Fadnavis?
The party has already given me so much. For me, the party coming to power is more important than the CM's post. In our party there are oven ten prominent and efficient leaders. So, let's wait and watch.
What do you think of Shiv Sena and MNS's criticisms?
The Thackerays are confused. They do not know whose their real foe is. By targetting Modi and me what will they are gain? Uddhav had said that Afzal Khan's army (read Modi and his army) had come from Delhi to conquer the Maharashtra. I ask Uddhav to improve his knowledge of history. Afzal Khan's army had not come from Delhi but from Bijapur.
Raj Thackeray said that you deliberately blocked the toll charges issues in assembly as an Opposition leader?
As an Opposition leader, I could not block a discussion. If MNS really wished to discuss and debate the issue, they would have done so. Earlier, Raj had decided to contest the state polls but he did a U-turn. You need guts to face the public challenge which both the Thackeray brothers lack.
What about the anti-Gujarati bashing?
This is petty politics. Many states are bilingual and there is nothing wrong in it as long as it does not disturb the harmony. Thackerays are deliberately conducting an anti-Gujarati campaign to consolidate its Marathi vote bank.
Farmers are unhappy with Modi
Modi has said he will initiate corrective measures soon so that farmers get good prices. But give Modi enough time as policies cannot be changed in a day or two. He has to study them and then take an informed decision.
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