Sena itching to take on Gadkari

The Shiv Sena is looking at strengthening and expanding its base in the Vidarbha region, where its estranged ruling partner, the BJP, has a strong presence. With this avowed objective in mind, Sena boss Uddhav Thackeray was on a tour of Nagpur on Friday.

Sources in the Sena claimed that Thackeray has given indications that the party intends to take on BJP heavyweight and union minister Nitin Gadkari on his home turf.

In 2014, out of the 62 Assembly seats in Vidarbha, Sena had won just four. While speaking with media persons at Nagpur, Thackeray clarified that the Sena is not anti-Vidarbha. “Vidarbha must develop but that cannot happen merely by holding a state legislature session in Nagpur.

Thackeray also demanded that cases be filed against those demanding separate statehood for Vidarbha. On the demand to relocate the Nanar project, he said that if people of the region want the project and if land is available, then there should be no objections.

Replying to queries over the Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha by-poll, he said that Sena will take a decision on whether or not to support the BJP candidate in the fray.

He said, “Our decision to extend support to BJP in Bhandara-Gondia will depend on who supports our candidate in Palghar (ST) constituency.” When asked about the Palghar (ST) bypoll, he argued that the Sena has fielded its candidate and will ensure his victory.