Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis meets Uddhav, announces plans for Thackeray memorial

MUMBAI: The BJP leadership in Maharashtra has indicated that it was open to having the Shiv Sena on board. The Shiv Sena has already accepted the Leader of Opposition post in the assembly. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had a brief chat on Monday with Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and said that state Cabinet will be expanded by adding 20 new faces before the winter session of the assembly in Nagpur.

The Sena had converted late Balasaheb Thackeray’s second death anniversary into a show of strength at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on Monday. Many were curious whether BJP leaders would pay their respect to Thackeray. Fadnavis and several of his Cabinet colleagues answered this question along with several party MLAs by visiting Shivaji Park to pay their homage to Thackeray, making it clear that the bridges between the parties were not burnt.

Fadnavis also announced that his government was committed to building a grand memorial for Balasaheb Thackeray. “We have decided to set up a committee under the chief secretary to take the project of Balasaheb Thackeray memorial forward. We are committed to building a grand memorial of Balasaheb in Mumbai” said Fadnavis.

BJP President Amit Shah too posted messages on social media to pay respect to Balasaheb Thackeray. “We have always wanted Sena in the government. In fact we never understood why they took the Leader of Opposition's position in the assembly. They have been our long-term allies. They are always welcome” said state minister and BJP leader Vinod Tawde.

“On the issue of Hindutva, we have been with the Shiv Sena for over 25 years. If BJP wants to treat us with dignity and wants us with them in the government on Hindutva agenda, we have no problems joining hands with BJP”, said senior Sena MLA Ramdas Kadam on Monday.

Sena is hopeful that many of its senior leaders may be accommodated in the Cabinet and be given crucial portfolios when the ministry expansion takes place. Shiv Sena MLAs are keen on participating in the government so that it would be easier for them to fulfill the promises made to voters.