‘Konddev statue will not be poll issue’

“We want to unite Marathi manoos. We don’t want them to be segregated on the basis of caste. That (Dadoji Konddev statue) issue will not be on our agenda. We do not want to provoke people,” said Joshi.

The party was strongly against the removal of the statue,after the PMC in 2010 passed a resolution to remove it.

When asked about speculations that MNS taking away considerable Sena votes,Joshi said,“MNS is not an alternative for Shiv Sena. Sena was established by Balasaheb Thackeray for the Marathi people. Whereas MNS is harming the interest of the Marathi people. We are not worried about the MNS. In fact we are strengthening the party towards acquiring power single handedly,” said Joshi.

Joshi said fighting between Congress and NCP will benefit Mahayuti,the alliance of Shiv Sena,BJP and RPI (A). He also lambasted Congress for Chief Minister Chavan’s remark that the main contest of Congress would be with NCP as Sena and BJP has been extinguished from the urban scene.

“There are bewildered and hence such baseless claims. One of their major partner (RPI) have left them and has joined us and they are worried about that,” said Joshi. He also said the party is planning to take stringent action against the rebels. But denied that his party is most affected by the rebels.

“We will not spare anybody. Strict action will be taken against the rebels,” said Joshi.