Shiv Sena MLAs authorise Uddhav to take ‘final decision’

THE Shiv Sena MLAs on Thursday authorised party chief Uddhav Thackeray to take a “final decision” on Government formation in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Thackeray said, he did not intend to end the alliance with the BJP but only wanted implementation of what was agreed upon before the polls. He said, BJP should approach him only if it is ready to give Sena CM’s post. Thackeray chaired a meeting of all party MLAs at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in suburban Bandra, where the legislators also reiterated that the formula of “equal sharing of posts and responsibilities” agreed upon before the Lok Sabha polls should be implemented.

“The Sena MLAs passed a resolution authorising Uddhavji to take a final decision regarding government formation,” party legislator Shambhuraje Desai told reporters after the meeting ended. The Shiv Sena has been maintaining that in February this year, before the Lok Sabha polls, it was decided that there will be equal sharing of posts and responsibilities between the party and the BJP. While the Shiv Sena has been insisting on sharing the Chief Minister’s post, the BJP has rejected it. “It is necessary for all the MLAs to be together in the prevailing situation.

Whatever decision Uddhavji takes will be binding on all of us,” Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu said after the meeting. Abdul Sattar, another Sena MLA, said, “The next Chief Minister will be from the Shiv Sena.” Another legislator, on condition of anonymity, said Thackeray was “hurt” by the ongoing developments in the State. BJP creating President’s Rule situation, says Raut: SENIOR Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday accused the BJP of delaying the process of government formation in Maharashtra and creating a situation for the imposition of President’s rule.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the BJP should declare that it is unable to form the Government and then the Shiv Sena will take further steps. Reiterating the Shiv Sena’s demand for sharing the Chief Minister’s post, he said the State’s CM will be from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party only. “You will know on the floor of the House. We have the numbers,” he claimed.