Shiv Sena mocks Devendra Fadnavis' comments on poll-eve split

Fadnavis made a statement saying that the split of saffron allies ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections brought out the true strength of the BJP

Taking a jibe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that the split of saffron allies ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections brought out the true strength of the BJP, the Shiv Sena today said such comments are needed to boost the morale of party workers.

"If he (Fadnavis) says that the BJP's split with the Shiv Sena strengthened his party, there is nothing wrong with it. One needs to make such comments to boost the morale of party workers. But what is more important is his comment that the BJP and Sena will fight the upcoming elections together," Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai told reporters here.

Defending the BJP's decision to part ways with long time partner Sena ahead of Assembly polls last year, Fadnavis had on Saturday said the split of the saffron allies brought out the true strength of the BJP.

Desai said the Sena will keep opposing the 9,900 MW Jaitapur nuclear power project and that party chief Uddhav Thackeray will soon speak out on the issue.

"We have made our position very clear. We will keep opposing this (Jaitapur nuclear power) project. Uddhavji will soon speak about the issue. If the residents of the region are opposing this project, then what purpose will it serve?" he asked.

Desai also said that talks are currently underway for an alliance between the saffron parties for the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) going to polls next month and a decision on it will be taken by tomorrow.

The nomination forms for the VVMC polls have to be filled between May 22 and 29. Elections will be held on June 14 and counting will take place on June 16.