"If BJP-Shiv Sena comes together then we will rout Congress-NCP in 2019", CM Devendra Fadnavis on alliance with Shiv Sena

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal discussed on a number of issues revolving around 'Fiercely Federal, Fiercely One' on day 2 of the Republic Summit in Mumbai on Wednesday. Speaking on a range of topics relating to National identity, regional identity as well as Maratha Quota, Mr Fadnavis also addressed the possibility of an alliance with Shiv Sena. CM Fadnavis was of the belief that BJP-Shiv Sena will come together for 2019 elections.  

CM Fadnavis on BJP-Shiv Sena alliance:

"I think we will come together. In total if you will go to see, there is a political reality. And that political reality is that we have been together for the past 25 years. We have a common vote bank. And now that Congress and NCP have joined hands, they have also consolidated a formidable vote bank. At this time, if our votes will get divided then this will favour Congress and NCP. And our voter will also get confused to see the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena contesting individually and if he makes a mistake in voting then this will directly benefit Congress-NCP. I believe that the political arithmetic is trying to explain to us that if BJP-Shiv Sena comes together then we will rout Congress-NCP".   

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal addressed the crowd on the topic 'The Synergy to Surge'. The two Chief Ministers discussed how synergy in inter-state, as well as relationships between states and Centre, and Centre, can remove all roadblocks and propel India’s Surge.

Republic Summit 2018 | Fiercely Federal, Fiercely One: Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis And Sarbananda Sonowal Discuss The Synergy To Surge. Watch Full Session Here

Earlier in the day, BJP President Amit Shah broached a number of key topics while talking to Republic TV's Editor-In-Chief. Speaking about the alliance between BJP-Shiv Sena in 2019, Mr Shah said:

"The reality is that Shiv Sena is a part of our government even today. Their candidates contest in every election. They did it in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and not just in this election but before 2014 also. Running a campaign is a different thing but their candidates stood for elections. Till both the parties come to a conclusion, it's is wrong to comment on the matter publicly. I believe that in 2019 election, Shiv Sena will support us. The discussions are on." 

Read: Republic Summit 2018| I Believe That In 2019 Elections, Shiv Sena Will Support Us: BJP President Amit Shah On Alliance With Shiv Sena

When asked about the Uddhav Thackeray's visit to Ayodhya and the 'Mandir ultimatum' by the Sainiks, Mr Shah said: 

"In the matter of Ayodhya, they are not challenging us. They are demanding a temple and we also believe that a temple should be constructed. Where is the challenge? There is no dispute." 

Watch | Can't Live With You, Can't Live Without You: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Uses A Marathi Proverb To Explain BJP-Shiv Sena Equation

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, however, choose a different style to talk about the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. He used a Marathi proverb to explain the equation between the two parties in the state of Maharashtra at Republic summit. Here's what he said: 

"Have you heard of a Marathi Proverb? Tujha Majha Jamena...Tujhya Vachun Karmena. This means Can't live with you, can't live without you. The alliance of Sena and BJP was done on the basis of Hindutva. Even now, there is no conflict between the two parties on the basis of Hindutva. I feel that for the benefit of Nation, for Maharashtra and for the citizens, BJP-Shiv Sena should come together. We are trying to form an alliance and I feel that the alliance will take place. I will tell you a philosophy. There are two lines, one is your and one is his".