Hardik to be Sena face in Gujarat polls, ties with Maha BJP on notice: Uddhav

MUMBAI: Patidar leader Hardik Patel’s meeting with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter’s residence on Tuesday triggered speculation that the two could join hands in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Sena has been trying to win over the support of the migrant Gujarati community in Mumbai.

Western suburbs have a substantial presence of Gujarati voters but the Gujarati community has always preferred the BJP. The Sena hopes Patel may be able to swing their votes this time for it. The Sena has over the years tried to shed its tag of being a pro-Maharashtrian party by inducting north Indians and the Gujarati community. It has given tickets to a number of Gujarati community members this time in the western suburbs to woo the community.

Uddhav was buoyed by Patel making all the right noises. Patel said the Sena had the best interests of the city at heart and was the best party suited to rule Mumbai. Calling it a ‘lion’ he said that he had come to meet the Thackerays as they were ‘good people’ unlike the rulers (read BJP). Patel, however, added that while he supports Uddhav and his ‘cause’ he would not be campaigning for Sena candidates in BMC.