A day after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray created a stir by saying the Chief Minister’s post was not a priority for him, the party clarified on Sunday that it has not given up its claim on the post. “Maharashtra Chief Minister will be from the Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray will run the government,” said party MP Sanjay Raut.
Addressing a rally in Nanded on Saturday, Mr. Thackeray said, “I do not dream of the CM’s post. My priority is to listen to people’s problems and install a saffron government in Maharashtra.”
Party leaders say the statement should not be taken literally. “It means Uddhav Thackeray is not chasing the post. He is focusing on solving people’s problems. If we perform well and shiv sainiks demand that he become the Chief Minister, he will have to heed what they say,” said a senior Shiv Sena leader.
The BJP has demanded half the Assembly seats from its ally and has made it clear it is also interested in the Chief Minister post.
