If you want BJP's PM in Delhi, there should be Shiv Sena CM in Maharashtra, says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena leader and MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday said, "if you want BJP's PM in Delhi, there should be Shiv Sena CM in Maharashtra." Earlier in the week, Sanjay Raut had put an end over the speculations on the probable seat-sharing deal between his party and the BJP. Talking to media in Mumbai on Monday, Raut clearly said that there was no confirmation about the deal between the two parties ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. When asked about reports regarding BJP and Shiv Sena fighting on an equal number of seats in the General Elections, Raut said that, “we have no information about it, you (media) people know more. We don't have such a proposal, and we're not sitting here to accept such a proposal. We reiterate Shiv Sena will play the role of a big brother.”

Raut’s comment comes amid reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray are set likely to meet soon. On Monday, the Shiv Sena chief had called an urgent meeting, in which he said to have discussed party’s strategy for the Lok Sabha Elections. According to an India Today report, both parties have reached 23-25 seat sharing formula in Maharashtra. The state has a total of 48 Lok Sabha seats. Shiv Sena has been demanding equal 24-24 seat share agreement.

Earlier, Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve on Friday had said that his party will win more seats than the Shiv Sena in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections if the latter does not enter into a pre-poll alliance with it. Addressing a press conference in Jalna, he said absence of an alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena will benefit the Congress and the NCP.

"The BJP will win more seats than the Shiv Sena in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections if the Sena does not forge an alliance with the BJP," he said.

Danve had said the BJP has already made preparations to contest all the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state in case there was no alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Danve today inaugurated the day-long conclave, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis swill address the valedictory session later. Around 1,000 delegates from across the state are taking part in the meeting.

(With inputs from PTI)