Fadnavis government will survive even if Shiv Sena pulls out: Ramdas Athawale

MUMBAI: The BJP-led government in Maharashtra will survive even if the Shiv Sena were to withdraw support, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said today.

"I can't say what will happen during Sena's Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park. I feel Sena shouldn't withdraw support to the BJP-led government. But even if Uddhav Thackeray were to pull out, it won't impact the Devendra Fadnavis government," Athawale said.

He was speaking to reporters here after participating in a cleanliness campaign at the Dadar Chowpatty.


"NCP had earlier announced that it will support the BJP government and accordingly, Sharad Pawar is likely to extend support," Athawale said.

"Even if Pawar doesn't offer support to the BJP government, we need only 15 legislators (for proving majority in the Assembly). No legislator wants fresh polls just in three years, so many of them will help us directly or indirectly," he said.

Athawale also offered former CM Narayan Rane, who has quit the Congress, a berth in his party. "If Rane is not able to join BJP due to some reasons, I request him to join RPI," he said.