Sharad Pawar dares Shiv Sena to quit from BJP-led Maharashtra government, says snap polls possible

MUMBAI: NCP president Sharad Pawar has dared Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to withdraw from the BJP-led government in Maharashtra and predicted snap polls in the state if Sena "shows self-respect".

"There was self-respect (in Shiv Sena) when Balasaheb Thackeray was there. I don't know what is the situation today," Pawar told reporters in coastal Sindhudurg yesterday.

"If that self-respect is awakened, then maybe (snap) polls may come soon (in Maharashtra)," Pawar said.

Pawar said BJP president Amit Shah spoke of total power for BJP, instead of having alliances.

"The BJP national president has said he has regrets. Who is he referring to and for sitting with whom does he feel regrets for?" the former Union minister asked.

"If the BJP chief feels regrets due to them (Sena), then if they (Sena) have any self-respect... someone with self-respect won't sit with them (BJP)," Pawar said.

Reacting to Pawar's jibe, a Sena leader said the party does not need to taken lessons from Pawar on self-respect.

"Pawar had opposed Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her foreign origin issue but joined hands with her after the 2004 elections," the leader said.