Shiv Sena will not 'beg' for cabinet berth: Thackeray

Apparently peeved over the cold shoulder given by ally BJP in Tuesday's union cabinet expansion, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray declared his party would not "beg" for cabinet berths.

"We are a dignified party with self-respect. Whatever comes, it should be with respect. We shall not beg for anyting," Thackeray told media persons, while confirming that there has been no discussion with the BJP leadership on the union cabinet rejig.

He said berths in the union cabinet was a "secondary issue" for the party, and he would air his views even if the discussions were held.

"We shall not stand before anybody's doors laachaar (helpless)," Thackeray asserted.

At present, only Anant Geete from the Shiv Sena is a union cabinet minister and the party was hopeful of at least one more cabinet berth and one minister of state with independent charge.

In Tuesday's expansion, Republican Party of India-A President Ramdas Athawale is likely to be inducted as a cabinet minister from among the BJP's allies in Maharashtra.

Athawale was elected to then Rajya Sabha with the BJP's support from Maharashtra.

--IANS

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