Maharashtra results disappointing, MNS to blame: Gadkari

The election results in Maharashtra were disappointing for the Shiv Sena-BJP allaince which had hoped to win at least 30 seats, state BJP president Nitin Gadkari said here today.         

"Our target was to win at least 30 seats in the state but the number was curtailed due to division of votes by Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena," Gadkari told reporters.         

"We are collectively responsible for the outcome, not any individual," he said.        

The saffron combine suffered a major setback in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik areas which constitute 12 Lok Sabha constituencies as it won only one seat.         

"We expected to win at least nine of the 12 seats. Our candidates Kirit Somaiyya and Ram Naik were defeated. Going by the numbers, it is clear that MNS candidates have eaten into our votes. This fact cannot be denied," Gadkari said.         

"Because of the MNS, we could not accomplish our 30 seats' target," he said.        

"If we look at other regions in the state like Vidarbha, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra, Sena-BJP combine has done well. We will maintain this tempo and prove ourselves in the Assembly elections," Gadkari said.