Uddhav Thackeray: Had promised Balasaheb I'd make a Shiv Sainik CM

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has stated in his party's mouthpiece Saamna that he would make a party member the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at any cost. He revealed that he had made this promise to his father and SS founder Balasaheb Thackeray. Uddhav said that he did not ask anyone before giving this promise. He further added that he did not require anyone's “permission” to fulfill his quest. 

He said, “I had promised Balasaheb that I will make a Shiv Sainik Chief Minister. I will fulfill this at any cost. Whether anyone listens or not, I have not asked anyone before giving this promise. It will not be hindered by anybody’s opinion. I do not require anyone’s permission.” 

Read: Uddhav Thackeray: 'No Issues Between Shiv Sena And BJP Seat-sharing'

Comments on the alliance 

Thackeray opined that his party had conducted introspection over the last 5 years and allied with the BJP with a firm resolve. He said that the only reason for the tie-up was the betterment of Maharashtra. The Sena chief also expressed confidence over maintaining the party’s strength despite the dominance of the BJP. He revealed that growing was the foremost objective of Shiv Sena, even if it entailed forming an alliance. 

The SS chief remarked, “I will help the Shiv Sena grow in the present atmosphere and at a time when other parties are getting uprooted, Shiv Sena will continue to remain strong.” He added, “Finally, why do we want the Temple in Ayodhya? Ram spoke the truth. If breaking one’s promise is a habit, then Ram temple is a hollow concept. We believe in Hindutva. We are the followers of Ram, who keep their word. That is why I am confident.” 

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He ruled out stepping away from politics, considering that his son Aaditya had entered the electoral fray.  

“I will not do farming or any other profession. I will not retire from politics. Till I don’t fulfill my promise made to Balasaheb, I will not be satisfied. I will make his Shiv Sainik the CM of Maharashtra at any cost. Till this happens, I won’t leave politics,” Thackeray observed. 

Read: Uddhav Thackeray: 'Will Deal With The Murderers Of Aarey Forest'

‘Aaditya working harder than me’ 

The Sena chief spoke candidly about Aaditya being the first member of his family to enter electoral politics. He also played down the rumours about his son becoming a minister in the scenario of the SS-BJP alliance winning the election.  

He opined, “Shiv Sena chief had told me- ‘Uddhav, remember one thing. Just because you are my own, I will not foist you on Shiv Sainiks nor will I stop you. You do your work’. I have retained the same principle in the case of Aaditya also. To be very honest, Aaditya is working harder than me. He has reduced much of my burden.” He further clarified, “He has just come into politics. Just because he has entered the electoral fray, doesn’t mean that he will become the CM or Deputy CM. This is his first election. He has a lot of interest in parliamentary work.” 

While the voting in Maharashtra will take place on October 21, the results will be declared on October 24. 

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