Expedite development projects, else we’ll quit govt: Sena

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Maharashtra is not doing enough to expedite development projects, the Shiv Sena has alleged. The Sena, which is part of the BJP-led government in the state as well as at the Centre, also threatened to walk out of the Maharashtra government if projects being taken up by its legislators were not cleared forthwith. In such an event, the party said, it would provide support from outside but continue to pursue the issue.

A decision on this would taken after meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said at a meeting with the party ministers and legislators at his residence Matoshri on Monday.

A Shiv Sena legislator, who was present at the meeting, told Business Standard: “The party chief sought the views of ministers and legislators, who unanimously said they were prepared to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in the state. However, it was decided to give one last chance to Fadnavis to listen to their problems. Uddhavji will personally take up the works of legislators with Fadnavis. If there won't be any positive development, the party will withdraw its support.”

He added that legislators were “quite restless” because the pendency of work is very high and “it is difficult to face the voters”.

Interestingly, Shiv Sena legislators also complained that the party ministers were also not giving speedy approval for their works in the respective constituencies. However, the ministers complained that they have not been delegated adequate powers.

In the 288-member Assembly, the BJP has 122 members, while the Sena has 63. If the Shiv Sena decides to withdraw its support, the government will not fall immediately as the BJP is confident to mobilise support from the smaller parties and independents.

The latest development comes close on the heels of the ongoing war of words between the two ruling allies, especially ahead of the crucial election to the 227-member BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation. Fadnavis has also been trying to pacify the Sena by accommodating two of its legislators as ministers of state and giving two departments from the BJP quota to two Shiv Sena ministers.