Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday didn't hold back as he took a veiled jab at Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of betraying the founding principles of Shiv Sena for 'kursi aur satta' (political gains). In an exclusive interview with ABP News for its 'Shikhar Sammelan' programme, Shinde discussed the ticket distribution row within the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and many other charges against the coalition. 


Taking a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray, CM Shinde said, "Balasaheb Thackeray has always opposed the Congress. This is his open statement. So, for the chair, for power, they betray their 25-year-old friend. They betray Balasaheb Thackeray's thoughts, they (Uddhav camp) distorted his (Balahaseb's) thoughts, and they betray the people of Maharashtra. So who has betrayed, who has been dishonest? Who had breached trust? Us or those who have occupied the chair?"






On the distribution of tickets in Nashik and Thane, CM Shinde said, "This is a perception created by the opposition. The decision of who contests from which seat is often a matter of discussion. Sometimes BJP workers want us to contest, and sometimes Shiv Sena wants us to contest. There's a little push and pull, but it doesn't mean there's any conflict within us. The allocation of all seats has been decided through discussions".


"There are 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. Sometimes BJP will contest, and sometimes we will. Eventually, someone will come forward. We fight elections. We don't look at who's in front. We fight to win," Shinde added. 


Addressing questions about ticket distribution in Maharashtra, CM Shinde stated, "Those who didn't receive tickets will get a better opportunity". 


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Speaking about Ravindra Waikar, CM Shinde said, "Whether it is the leader of any party or a politician... when their people are in trouble, they need moral support. Balasaheb Thackeray stood firm in every joy and sorrow. If during times of need, we only think about ourselves and leave our workers in such an atmosphere...that doesn't happen".


Responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray's remarks on him, Shinde said, "He is a small child. What can we say about him?"


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