Fadnavis plays down Sena tiff, says govt safe

Rules out any threat to the survival of the govt as it celebrates the first anniversary of the BJP- Shiv Sena govt in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today played down the war of words between the state’s ruling alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena. He ruled out any threat of the survival to his government.

The chief minister was speaking to reporters on the occasion of first anniversary of his government. “We will celebrate the second anniversary, too, next year,” he said.

Fadnavis' statement comes close on the heels of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray threatening to pull out of the government over perceived BJP arrogance.  Fadnavis called this political posturing.

The BJP and the Sena are pitted against each other in elections to  the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation and the Kalyan-Dombivli civic body. Polling is slated for Sunday. Fadnavis admitted the government was facing financial difficulties but said every effort was being made to revive the state economy and maintain its position as a top destination for investment. “Foxconn, which has proposed to invest $5 billion in the state, will be a game changer. Besides, investments of over Rs 1 lakh crore will lead to job creation,” he noted.

On the decision of authors to return awards citing intolerance, Fadnavis said, “The government is committed to respecting writers, journalists and thinkers, and there is no change in its role. They should speak out, write and point out the government’s mistakes. However, they should reconsider their decision to return awards,” he said.