We are the new ‘big brother’, says BJP’s Maharashtra poll in-charge as stand-off with Shiv Sena continues

Rubbishing media reports of Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray having demanded deputy chief minister’s post and key portfolios like Home, Finance, Irrigation and PWD as a precondition for reuniting with BJP, Mathur said, “It is a figment of media’s imagination.”

“It is true that Uddhav Thackeray called up the Prime Minister and (BJP president) Amit Shah. He had called me as well. But it was just a courtesy call to congratulate us on our win. All these reports of him demanding ministries are completely baseless and bear no truth,” he said.

When asked if BJP will accept NCP’s offer of support to form the next government, Mathur said a decision will be taken by the Central Parliamentary board.

“We have won handsomely and, since we are short of just a few seats, it is usual for parties to come forward and extend us their support. But it is the Parliamentary Board of our party which will take a final call,” Mathur said.