Hindutva common thread binding BJP and Sena: CM

Stating that "Hindutva" is the common thread binding the BJP and Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the saffron alliance will post "unprecendented victory" in Assembly elections.

Addressing a joint press conference with Fadnavis on the last day of filing nominations for October 21 polls, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said who was the "elder brother" in the alliance was not an issue.

Of the 288 assembly seats, the Shiv Sena will contest 124, smaller NDA allies such as RPI and RSP will contest 14, and remaining seats (150) will be contested by the BJP, Fadnavis said.

The Sena is also expected to get two berths in the Legislative Council from the BJP quota.

"The alliance will post an unprecedented victory," Fadnavis said.

Asked about rebel candidates, Fadnavis said, "They will be asked to withdraw within two days, or else they will be shown their place."
To a question on denial of tickets to senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde among others, Fadnavis said," In a political party, responsibilities change. Those who were in assembly earlier will now work outside it, and those who were in the organisation will now represent the party in the assembly."
Referring to him, Fadnavis said, "Aaditya will win with a massive margin. He has been touring the state for last few years and now he will join us in the assembly."
Asked about Sena workers's "dream" of seeing Aaditya on the sixth floor of state secretariat (which houses the offices of chief minister and deputy chief minister), Uddhav Thackeray said, "What's the harm in dreaming?"