Mumbai: Even as the government formation exercise is underway in New Delhi, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday claimed that couple of newly-elected MPs of Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with and they are waiting to add numbers before a smooth defection.
However, the Thackeray faction has quashed the claim saying the CM should instead worry about keeping their flock together.
Earlier, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have claimed that Sena MPs want to join them and they are waiting for an opportune moment.
Shinde’s confidantes and party spokespersons Aurangabad West MLA Sanjay Shirsat and newly-elected MP Naresh Mhaske made the claims.
“Two MPs are in touch with us…they have reached out to Shinde Saheb…however, they are waiting for the opportune moment…once the number reaches six, they would formally support (the government headed by) Narendra Modi,” Mhaske, a close aide of Shinde said.
According to Mhaske, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has moved away from the fundamental elements of the party and its founder late Balasaheb Thackeray. "They distributed lakhs of rupees to a particular religion to get their votes. They went to places of worship and told the people that their religion is in danger to get their votes," he said.
Reacting to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare said,"Mhaske should not speak about people who have self respect…I think he has not yet realised that he has become an MP."
Andhare said that she does not give weightage to what Mhaske said.
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora reacted to the comments saying, "I don't want to comment on who is and who is not in touch with any faction. What I would say is that, under Shinde's leadership, the Shiv Sena has done well in Maharashtra in Lok Sabha elections. We have a good strike rate. Many people were writing off the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde but it has done well."
Deora added, "I am confident that in the weeks, months and years ahead, under the leadership of the PM Narendra Modi at the central level and the Chief Minister (Shinde) at the state level, both governments will work for the welfare of Mumbaikars and Maharashtrians. There is a common thread between both leaders. Both have come from very humble backgrounds. One has risen to become the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy.”
In the Lok Sabha polls, Shinde's Sena, which is part of the Maha Yuti (NDA) contested 15 seats and won seven while Shiv Sena (UBT), which is part of Maha Vikas Aghadi (I.N.D.I.A.), contested 21 seats and emerged victorious in nine seats.
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