Mumbai: Had it not been for a meeting between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Sena MLAs would have faced great confusion about how to approach the CM.
As if the Sena MLAs were waiting for just this one to happen, they started making a beeline with issues concerning their constituencies – leading to a debate on new political equations. The meeting and a brief exchange of pleasantries between Thackeray and Fadnavis took place on December 17 in Nagpur. Former minister Aaditya Thackeray and other leaders of the party were also present during the meeting.
Besides various conclusions over the unexpected meeting, it was said that Thackeray senior wanted to end the five-year enmity between the two leaders and wanted a way out for his son Aaditya and the party leaders to continue the dialogue process.
Statement Of A Shiv Sena-UBT Leader
“Since the CM enjoys immense power and authority, no political rival can keep himself away for long. The MLAs have so many issues to deal with as they are answerable to the people and the solution to the problems lies with the government,” said a leader from the Sena adding, that such a meeting was necessary as the party MLAs were hesitant to meet the CM though for valid reasons. “And, the December 17 meeting broke the barriers for us,” he said.
Soon after the meeting between Thackeray and the CM, a number of the Sena MLAs such as Sunil Prabhu and Ajay Chaudhary met the CM for their constituency-related issues. Even Aaditya Thackeray also met Fadnavis to submit a memorandum.
“The different political overtone is such that it is being discussed that the BJP might use this new relationship to keep Eknath Shinde under check,” a leader quipped.
The BJP wants to contest a maximum number of seats for the BMC elections.
