Published 13:53 IST, October 7th 2019
Prakash Javadekar on Uddhav's CM remark: 'Only time will tell'
Responding to Thackeray's CM remarks, Prakash Javadekar stated that while there was no harm in expressing a desire, only time would determine the reality.
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Responding to Shiv Sena (SS) Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s call for making a party member the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar stated on Monday that there was no harm in expressing a desire. At the same time, he opined that the reality would be clear with the passage of time. Javadekar made these remarks while addressing a press conference related to environmental issues in New Delhi. Earlier, Thackeray elaborated on a range of issues ranging from the alliance with BJP to his son Aaditya’s foray into electoral politics in an interview with the Saamana newspaper.
Javadekar said, "There is no harm in expressing a wish. Only time will tell what the reality is."
‘I had promised Balasaheb’
Thackeray revealed that he had promised his father and SS founder Balasaheb Thackeray on a party member assuming the post of CM. He further added that he did not require anybody’s “permission” to fulfil his quest. The SS chief maintained that he would not leave politics without achieving this goal.
He remarked, “I had promised Balasaheb that I will make a Shiv Sainik Chief Minister. I will fulfill this at any cost. Whether anyone listens or not, I have not asked anyone before giving this promise. It will not be hindered by anybody’s opinion. I do not require anyone’s permission.” Thackeray added, “I will not do farming or any other profession. I will not retire from politics. Till I don’t fulfill my promise made to Balasaheb, I will not be satisfied. I will make his Shiv Sainik the CM of Maharashtra at any cost. Till this happens, I won’t leave politics.”
The upcoming election
The Election Commission of India recently announced the state Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, along with bypolls in several other states. The total strength of the Maharashtra Assembly is 288, out of which 9 seats are reserved for SC and 5 for the ST category. In total, Maharashtra has 8.94 crore registered voters, out of which 1.16 lakh are service voters. 1.8 lakh ballot units, 1.28 lakh control units, and 1.39 lakh VVPATs will be used in the state. While the voting will take place on October 21, the results will be declared on October 24.
Updated 14:18 IST, October 7th 2019