The Shiv Sena wanted to be the senior partner in the Sena-BJP alliance. But you have agreed to fight on an equal number of seats. Isn’t that a compromise?
We are still the big brother in the state. The BJP had won 123 seats and Sena 63 in the 2014 Assembly polls. Despite this, the BJP has agreed for equal seat-sharing and has also agreed to give us the seats of our choice. Besides, the BJP is positive about giving chief ministership to the Shiv Sena.
If the alliance wins, will the Sena keep the CM chair for the full term?
We will see that. But, I can tell you that there will be a Shiv Sena CM.
Before the announcement, the Sena said it would go solo. Isn’t that a loss of face?
It is true that we had announced we would fight the elections on our own. It was also a public sentiment. But in politics, and considering the current situation, we need to take some tough decisions. Such decisions are not always taken from the heart but as part of a political strategy. We will tell people about the alliance. We need to convince Shiv Sainiks and people who always felt the Sena should contest the polls solo. It’s a big challenge for us.
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