File Photo: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Even as the BJP-Shiv Sena ties hit a low with Uddhav Thackeray threatening to pull his party out of the Government, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today exuded confidence that his Government will run its full term, claiming there are "no problems" with the Shiv Sena.
Downplaying the open slug-fest between the allies in the run up to the Kalyan Dombivili bypolls, Mr Fadnavis, who completed his first year in office, said, "there are no problems between the two parties and the alliance will remain for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in 2017 as well."
Asked whether the anniversary is that of BJP or Shiv Sena, he said, "the first anniversary is of the government which includes everyone associated with it."
The BJP formed its first government in the state on October 31 last year and the Shiv Sena joined the ministry over a month later to be content with the portoflios the dominant partner was ready to part with.
Fielding questions on Uddhav Thackeray's threat of pulling down the government at the civic poll rally yesterday, he said, "I haven't heard nor am I aware of it"
On the never-ending slanging match between the partners, he said, "I do not indulge in mud-slinging nor has anyone done that on me."
Speaking at his official residence 'Varsha' on Friday night after the acrimony between the allies grew to a shrill pitch, Mr Fadnavis had said, "We will complete our term.
"I am confident Sena will continue to be a part of the BJP-led government despite their recent postures and we will also contest the Mumbai municipal corporation election together."
"We are two separate parties and there's a difference between their thinking and working style. We fought against each other in last year's Assembly polls but the mandate we got was against Congress-NCP," Mr Fadnavis had said but not before adding, "had we got 20-22 seats more, we would have been the only party in power."
On verbal duel indulged in by leaders of both the parties during campaign for Kalyan Dombivli and Kolhapur civic elections scheduled for tomorrow, Mr Fadnavis had said "these are local elections and won't have any bearing on state politics."
On Friday, Shiv Sena Minister Eknath Shinde had offered to resign at a civic poll rally in Kalyan after Mr Thackeray lashed out at Mr Fadnavis, who in turn dubbed it as a "mere drama."
Uddhav Thackeray had warned that if the "BJP continues its arrogance" Shiv Sena will not hesitate to pull out of the alliance.
The BJP-Sena wranglings have become all the more strident after they decided to contest separately the polls to Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation.
Their differences have also come out in the open on several issues including sporting and cultural ties with Pakistan.