Maharashtra polls: Uddhav reveals SS "compromise" for state's sake

In the second part of the interview with Saamana newspaper published on Tuesday, Shiv Sena (SS) supremo Uddhav Thackeray conceded that he had compromised by forming an alliance with the BJP. He cited the interest of the people of Maharashtra as the reason for this “compromise”. Moreover, he expressed confidence in the government carrying forward its good work for the next 5 years. Thackeray also hinted at not being prudent enough in breaking the alliance before the 2014 Maharashtra assembly elections. The SS chief admitted that there were differences between the two parties, but asserted that he never tried to pull down the government. 

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He said, "I compromised for the sake of the state. I am confident we can provide good administration and governance in the next five years based on the previous experience.” Thackeray added, "When the government publicises its achievements, the work done is seen on the ground. I will continue to highlight people's issues before the government," he said. "Did I betray the government or conspire to pull it down? No. We were in government without any power for the last five years. There were differences, and we raised our voice wherever we felt things were wrong." 

Read: Uddhav Thackeray: 'Will Deal With The Murderers Of Aarey Forest'

‘Murderers of Aarey trees will have to pay a price’ 

The SS chief clarified his party’s stance on the felling of trees in Aarey colony. He observed that the SS would continue to raise its voice on issues impacting the citizens. 

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"Development shouldn't happen at the cost of hardships to others. The proposed car shed in Aarey is opposed by Mumbaikars, not Shiv Sena. It is not my party's personal issue. We need the Metro and development of the city. But while doing that, we shouldn't lose something more valuable," he remarked. Thackeray stated, "The murderers of Aarey trees will have to pay a price for axing trees in the middle of the night. (Sena corporator) Yashwant Jadhav, the petitioner, was fined Rs 50,000 (by the court) while dismissing his plea. But murderers of Aarey trees will be responsible for damage to the environment.” 

(With PTI inputs)

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