Even as the Shiv Sena recommended its MP Anil Desai’s name for induction into the Union Cabinet, it threatened to skip the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday if the BJP did not declare the Sena’s share in the Maharashtra Cabinet.
The Sena leadership has asked Union Minister for Heavy Industries Anant Geete, its member in the Cabinet, to return to Mumbai. Mr. Geete was scheduled to meet the Prime Minister in an attempt to iron out differences between the parties.
“The matters of the State are more important to us. We want to be a part of the swearing-in ceremony. But the BJP has to assure us publicly regarding our share in the State Cabinet. We will not take oath if that doesn’t happen,” said a senior Sena leader on the condition of anonymity. The Shiv Sena MLAs are set to meet on Sunday to elect the chief of their legislature party and to decide whether to sit in the opposition.
Sena threatens to boycott swearing-in
Shiv Sena MLAs are set to meet on Sunday to elect the Chief of their legislature party and to decide whether to sit in the opposition in the Maharahstra Assembly. “A final decision on a possible alliance will be announced on Sunday after meeting all the MLAs,” said Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.
The party earlier decided to boycott the Cabinet swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday if the BJP did not declare the number of Cabinet berths to be allotted to it in the State. “The matters of state are more important to us. We want to be a part of tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony. But the BJP has to assure us publicly regarding our share in the state cabinet. We will not take oath if that doesn’t happen,” said a senior Sena leader on the condition of anonymity.
The Sena had initially pushed for Deputy Chief Minister’s post and 10 cabinet berths. It has now climbed down and sought the Home Minister’s post. It is now pushing hard for 12 cabinet berths, out of which 5 will be union ministers and 7 state portfolios. One more Sena politician Suresh Prabhu, who is no longer active in the party, is also expected to get a Union cabinet berth.
