Sanjay Raut: Uddhav Thackeray firm on making Aaditya CM for 2.5 years

The ongoing BJP-Shiv Sena rivalry does not seem to have reached a conclusion yet. With the deadline for the formation of the new Government in Maharashtra fast approaching, Shiv Sena leader and MP Sanjay Raut reiterated Shiv Sena’s position on the post of Chief Minister of the State and stated, “Uddhav Thackeray is firm on his stand.” Raut further added, “There is no need for any third person to get involved and there is no need for any mediation.”

READ | Sanjay Raut Claims Shiv Sena Has An 'alternative' Amid Tussle With BJP

'If Nitin Gadkari is coming to Matoshree then he has to inform us'

Raut further commenting on BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pending arrival in Mumbai stated that: “If Nitin Gadkari has any proposal or any letter of offering 2.5 year CM post for Sena then please let me know.” Raut further added that as Nitin Gadkari was a resident of Mumbai it was not newsworthy that he was in the city. "If Nitin Gadkari is coming to Matoshree then he has to inform us about that prior to his arrival,” Raut added.

Raut further hitting out at the BJP stated, “Threatening under the name of President’s rule won’t work and those who have mandate should come forward and form the government.” “If the decision is taken only by Delhi then it is an insult to the people of Maharashtra. If Fadnavis has the majority, he can become the CM again but as per the constitution, Fadnavis has to resign today,” Raut added.

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Raut claims 'alternative' plan 

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed that the party has an "alternative" for forming a government in Maharashtra. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, Raut said, "We have an alternative. We don't talk unless there's an alternative. If the BJP has a majority, then they should go to the Governor and stake claim (to form the government). We will welcome that." Raut was responding to a question over reports that BJP has an alternative for forming a government.

READ | Sanjay Raut: 'No Talks Between Bhagwat, Uddhav Yet'

Maharashtra power tussle

The Maharashtra assembly election was conducted on October 21. While BJP contested from 150 constituencies, it left only 124 seats for its ally Shiv Sena. However, the results declared on October 24 threw up a surprise with the alliance not faring as well as expected. The tally of the BJP came down to 105, from 122 seats which they had won in the 2014 election. Sena too won from only 56 constituencies. Though the BJP-Sena alliance has a comfortable majority, a tussle has been going on over the CM’s post. Both sides have been welcoming the support of Independents to leverage their individual position.

READ | Sanjay Raut Meets Pawar Amid Logjam Over Govt Formation In Maha