Sena likely to link support to Fadnavis with farm loan waiver

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to link continuation of support to the BJP-led government in Maharashtra to his demand for farm loan waiver when he addresses a civic poll campaign rally here tomorrow.
The Sena, which is part of the Devendra Fadnavis government, has demanded complete waiver of farm loans in Maharashtra and asserted it will continue to support it if the demand is accepted.
According to a senior Sena leader, Thackeray, in his rally at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) Grounds, is likely to give an "ultimatum" to its estranged ally over the farm loan issue.
"Uddhav will prefer not to destabilise the government if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis agrees to consider complete waiver of farmer loans," said the Sena leader, who preferred to remain anonymous.

"Cadres want the party to withdraw support from the government. Uddhav is likely to asks Sena ministers to submit their resignations if the Chief Minister does not agree to the demand. This will show the Sena is fighting for the cause of farmers and at the same time tremendously boost the morale of party workers ahead of the BMC polls," he said.
Sena ministers Ramdas Kadam and Diwakar Raote have already expressed willingness to resign from the Cabinet. "We will resign the moment Uddhavji asks us to do so. We carry resignation letters in our pockets," Raote had recently said.

The Sena leader, however, added it will not be easy for Thackeray to accept the resignations and give up power.

Asked to comment on Fadnavis' assertion that the present dispensation will complete its term (which ends in 2019), the leader said the Chief Minister must have readied a 'Plan B'.
"The CM's remark shows the BJP is holding behind-the- scene talks with some parties. Everything will be clear in case the situation comes to a floor test in the Assembly," the leader said.
The Sena and BJP are fighting the February 21 civic polls separately, but they remain allies in the ruling coalitions in Maharashtra and at the Centre.