Uddhav Thackeray holds meet with Shiv Sena MLAs from Marathwada

Uddhav Thackeray (File)

AMID TALKS that the Shiv Sena may break off its alliance with the BJP, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with party MLAs from the Marathwada region Tuesday. Thackeray assessed the party’s electoral chances in the region that comprises 45 Assembly constituencies. He reportedly asked some MLAs to concentrate on building the party’s base in the region.

The MLAs are reported to have expressed concern over an early election if the Sena decides to pull the plug on the BJP government. Thackeray is said to have said there was no imminent threat to the government, but asked his party MLAs to ensure the party was strengthened in the region.

Apart from Mumbai, Marathwada was the first region the Sena had managed to make inroads in during the early 1980s. It presently has 11 MLAs in the region. The party’s MLAs are also said to have stated their problems vis-a-vis party ministers. The MLAs reportedly also discussed new faces being given a chance in the council of ministers. “There were no talks about pulling out of the government or changing ministers. However, we did discuss our organisational set-up and realistic chances of winning elections if we break away from the BJP. We have all been asked to work towards strengthening the party,” said Environment Minister and senior Sena leader Ramdas Kadam.

The Sena is increasingly resentful of the BJP’s concerted drive to expand its footprint in Maharashtra. The Sena believes the BJP wants to dominate regional parties. At a brainstorming session held at Matoshree last week, the residence of Thackeray, to decide its future course of action, the Sena chief asked his party leaders if they were in favour of breaking the alliance with the BJP.