‘NCP should join NDA if Shiv Sena unwilling to reunite’: Ramdas Athawale’s ‘big post’ offer for Sharad Pawar

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Union minister Ramdas Athawale, on Monday, said that the Shiv Sena should again join hands with its old ally BJP to form government in Maharashtra.

Suggesting a power-sharing formula between the former allies, he said that Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray should remain chief minister for one year and then BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis should get the coveted post for the remaining three years (of current Assembly term).

“The Shiv Sena should be given one or two portfolios in Delhi (Central government), too. The Shiv Sena should not stick in the NCP and Congress labyrinth and come with us,” he added.

Athawale further said that if Sena is unwilling to reunite with the BJP-led coalition, NCP chief Sharad Pawar should consider joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the development of Maharashtra.

The minister, a BJP ally also said that Pawar would get a “big post” in the future if he joins hands with the BJP.

Talking to reporters, he said, “Shiv Sena should again join hands with BJP. If Shiv Sena doesn’t come with us, I appeal to (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar to join NDA for development for the state. He may get a big post in the future. There is no advantage in staying with Shiv Sena.”

Fadnavis-Raut meet

Athawale’s remarks came days after Fadnavis, a former chief minister and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut met at a hotel, sparking speculation in political circles

However, Fadnavis had later clarified that the meeting with Raut was not political and that the two met regarding an interview for Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana.

The Shiv Sena pulled out of the NDA last year following a tug-of-war with the BJP over the power-sharing formula after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly polls.

The Sena later formed government in the state by joining hands with ideological rivals NCP and the Congress.