Shiv Sena rubbishes talk of alleged differences with BJP in Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray asserts that whatever work needs to be done, both parties will do it together

Seeking to downplay the controversy over 'Saamana' editorial criticising the BJP over drought relief to farmers, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today said his party had no differences with the BJP while running the Maharashtra government.

"Whatever assurances and promises were made before the elections, it is our duty to get it fulfilled and implemented effectively. Shiv Sena will work together with the BJP for the same," Uddhav told reporters here after inducting Mahendra Thorve, Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader from Karjat taluka in Ragiad district into the Sena fold.

"There are no differences in the Sena-BJP alliance," Uddhav asserted adding that whatever work needs to be done, both parties will do it together.

Replying to questions on the Sena-BJP being at logger heads over the yellow sodium vapour lights being replaced with white LED bulbs at the iconic Marine drive, Uddhav said decisions being taken at the government level with regards to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should be taken in consultation with the elected representatives.

The Sena had came down heavily on the Devendra Fadnavis-led government over the issue of farmer suicides in the state, particularly in Vidarbha.

In an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana, the party had targeted Fadnavis and Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, both of whom are from Vidarbha, over the five farmers who committed suicides in 24 hours recently because of their inability to pay off debts.

Taking a strong view of the editorial, BJP leaders Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and Vinod Tawde had said that the editorial should not be taken "seriously" and asked the Shiv Sena not to communicate with the BJP through newspaper edits.