Thackeray rules out BJP-NCP pact

MUMBAI, SEPT 29: Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has ruled out the possibility of BJP, his party's ally in Maharashtra, striking a post-ele...

MUMBAI, SEPT 29: Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has ruled out the possibility of BJP, his party8217;s ally in Maharashtra, striking a post-election deal with Sharad Pawar-led NCP to come to power if the Sena failed to secure sufficient number of seats in the state assembly.

8220;Things will not come to such a pass,8221; Thackeray said in an interview here today, dismissing speculations that the BJP might desert the Sena, its electoral ally for the last 15 years, in its quest for power.

Exuding confidence that the Sena-BJP alliance is set to repeat its 1995 electoral performance in Maharashtra when it wrested power from an undivided Congress, Thackeray averred that the entry of the nascent8217; NCP would not change the political complexion or equations in the state.

He also confirmed that he had received an assurance from BJP leaders that they wouldn8217;t enter into any pact with the NCP. 8220;The BJP high command has given a directive asking the party8217;s state leadership not to antagonise the Sena,8221; Thackerayrevealed.

8220;How can the BJP join hands with Pawar who conspired to bring down the Vajpayee government at the Centre by one vote?8221; he asked.

Thackeray, however asserted that he had a contingency plan ready in the event of the BJP deciding to hobnob with NCP in Maharashtra after the elections. 8220;I will not like to disclose it now,8221; he said cryptically.

The Sena chief said there was a general agreement with the BJP that the chief minister would be from any of the alliance partners who won maximum number of seats in the Assembly elections.

Story continues below this ad

He would, nevertheless, assess the performance of the chief ministerial candidate before giving his nod even if the BJP staked claim to the post.

Asked whether he would continue to be 8220;remote control8221; of the alliance government in future, Thackeray thundered 8220;I will not allow any Chief Minister of the alliance to take policy decision without consulting me8221;. He, however, made it clear that he would not like to interfere with the day-to-day working of thegovernment.

Next CM will be from Sena: Rane

NANDED: Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane on Wednesday expressed confidence that the BJP-SS combine would form the next government and the next Chief Minister would be from Sena. However, he hastened to add that as per the agreement between the partners, the CM would be chosen from the party which has the highest number of legislators.

He also added that the alliance had no need for outside support as it would get the majority required to form a government. Moreover, there are 18 Independent candidates supported by the alliance, he pointed out. Rane also claimed that the alliance would bag 30 to 35 LS seats this time and the tally would go up by five seats in Marathwada for the Assembly seats.