BJP will win...

Of late, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has sharpened his focus on the Hindutva agenda, pointing out the BJP shortcomings on delivering on it.

However, Fadnavis felt Thackeray’s Hindutva narrative, and his trip to Ayodhya next month to campaign for a Ram temple there, was itself indication that the saffron parties would come together in the larger interest of the ideology — just like the “so-called secular parties” joined forces.

“Thackeray’s focus on Hindutva can only bring us together,” Fadnavis said.but he added that he did not see the Sena’s dual position — of staying in government and criticising it — bringing it any electoral dividends. “I don’t think a dual position can be beneficial. It can, if anything, only lead to losses especially if there is opposition on every issue.’’

Is the BJP willing to split the chief minister’s tenure with Sena to bring it on board before the polls? Fadnavis said the Sena had made no such demand yet. “I don’t think they will ask for this. If they do, we will discuss it.”

Fadnavis backed his party’s stand on the building of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. “I feel the Ram mandir must be built. It is the aspirations of crores of Indians. We have two options to ensure the temple gets built — either through the judiciary or an ordinance. I hope for a favourable verdict from the apex court, going by the tenor of the high court judgement,’’ he said.

The 48-year-old chief minister said the 2019 general elections would centre around Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his “decisive leadership’’, just like in 2014.

“We will win the general polls because of PM Modi. And, once we win Lok Sabha, victory in the Assembly polls will follow.’’is he open to taking up a role in Delhi? “I am happy anywhere (the party sends me),” Fadnavis said. “But, at the moment, I don’t think I am required in Delhi.”

While the CM said he did not want to speak about specific charges in the #Metoo movement, he believed any complaint of harassment of women at the workplace must be addressed immediately.

“We have clear laws and guidelines to address sexual harassment at the work place. Wherever there is such a complaint, and a person is found guilty, he should not be spared. But, I also think this should not be misused. Due diligence must be taken.’’