CM Uddhav reveals being 'anguished' during BJP-Shiv Sena split; questions old ally

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said that breaking away from ir Hindutva ally BJP was a hurtful decision as his Shiv Sena stood by latter in times of crisis. 

In an interview with Shiv Sena-run Marathi newspaper Saamana, he questioned BJP for ditching Hindutva alliance for political power. However, he avoided a direct response over wher Sena and BJP will join hands again.

"I am honestly saying that it was t a game. We were with BJP from past 25-30 years and it was t any sort of political compulsion. We have a relationship with Pramod Ji (Pramod Mahajan), Nitin Ji (Nitin Gadkari), Gopinath Ji (Gopinath Munde) and besides m Atal Ji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee). I was anguished while breaking up with m (BJP). This has hurt me a lot... During time of crisis, our party stood like a mountain for m...re were attacks on Hindutva, we took it upon ourselves... Why could t y stay united with Shiv Sena?" Uddhav Thackeray said.

READ | 'He's Come By His Own Effort': CM Uddhav Justifies Son Aaditya Thackeray's cabinet Post

BJP stepped out of door

When asked if re is any window or door of opportunity of rapprochement with BJP in future, CM Thackeray gave a diplomatic answer. "Whatever I have done so far, I have done with an open heart. It was BJP who stepped out of door... y mselves closed doors. I have clearly said a lot of times that we have wasted our 25 years by being in alliance with m (BJP)", stated Shiv Sena chief.

READ | Uddhav Thackeray Slams 'religion-neutral' NRC, Opposes Premature Protests In Maharashtra

Yet to determine result of MVA

Shiv Sena chief also tried to downplay question of wher he sees an expansion of cross-ideological Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with Congress and NCP at a national level. "We'll see. It has started with a state and wher country is learning lessons from it or t is yet to be understood. Unless we kw that, re's point in talking." 

When pressed on subject given his elevation to post of Maharashtra CM from a government outsider, Thackeray said, "I never thought of CM post for myself. But I always wanted a Shiv Sainik to occupy post."

READ | Sharad Pawar's Comment Won't Sway Bhima-Koregaon Probe: CM Uddhav t Kowtowing To Allies

READ | CM Uddhav Echoes Cousin Raj Thackeray On Throwing Out Infiltrators, Rules Out Need For NRC