Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut Rubbishes Reports Of Shiv Sena Softening Its Stand

Terming the reports as hearsay, Raut said "the (reports that) Sena has softened (its stand), has compromised and relinquished equitable distribution of posts, are all rumours.”

Sanjay Raut/ File Image: PTI

New Delhi: Ahead of Shiv Sena’s legislative party meet, Sanjay Raut denied reports that his party has softened its stand on the issue of sharing power in Maharashtra with ruling alliance partner BJP. A section of media had reported that Sena has indicated softening its stand on its terms on Wednesday. Terming the reports as hearsay, Raut said "the (reports that) Sena has softened (its stand), has compromised and relinquished equitable distribution of posts, are all rumours.” "This is the public, which knows everything. Whatever will was decided (between BJP and Sena), will happen," he said in a tweet. "We will not step back from our stand. If anyone has gone back on their promise, it is our ally. We will continue to move forward with our demand," he said. Raut also dismissed reports of possible split in Shiv Sena. "If anyone is floating rumours of 23 (of total 56) Sena MLAs maintaining a contact with the BJP, then they must have forgotten to mention Aaditya Thackerays name as one of those defectors. And why are they saying 23 MLAs only, why not say all 56," he said. Addressing a Press conference on Wednesday, Raut had given an indication of the Sena's apparent climbdown, saying it is necessary for the party to stay in the BJP-led alliance in the larger interest of Maharashtra, but without compromising on "respect". "Individuals are not important but state's interest is important. Decisions need to be taken in a calm manner and keeping in mind the state's interest," the Rajya Sabha member had said. Amid indication of softening of stand by the Shiv Sena over its demands, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the saffron alliance will "soon" form the government, an assertion that comes after days of tough talk by the allies on power-sharing. The two other major political players, the Congress and the NCP, clearly said they will sit in opposition, nixing any chances of a non-BJP government coming to power in the state, where contours of the next dispensation remain hazy even a week after announcement of assembly poll results. (Inputs from PTI)