’Some Problems Take Care of Themselves,’ Says Arun Jaitley on Sena Threat

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 10, 2014:  A day after the Shiv Sena stopped just short of ending all ties with the BJP amid bitter wrangling over power sharing in Maharashtra, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters: "Some problems take care of themselves."

The BJP and the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra have another day to decide between reconciliation or a messy divorce before new Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis takes a floor test in a special assembly session that begins today.

On Sunday, Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray asked his party leader Anil Desai to return from the Delhi airport, just before he was to participate in a swearing-in ceremony for new ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The Sena is not happy with the BJP’s best offer in Maharashtra and says it may sit in opposition.

"It is up to the BJP to decide...if they take any support from the NCP, we will not stand with them," said Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, referring to Sharad Pawar’s party which has offered to back the BJP’s minority government in Maharashtra, a move that has greatly diminished the power of the Shiv Sena.

"We will not hesitate to vote against them if the BJP and NCP come together," Mr Thackeray added.

The Sena has to decide by tomorrow on taking the post of Leader of Opposition. Sources say it is hoping that the BJP will give in to its demands.

In a clear sign that he is willing to continue the negotiations that have spanned weeks, Mr Thackeray said he has not yet decided whether his party will exit the PM’s coalition government by pulling out its lone minister, Anant Geete.

The Sena wanted a part when BJP ministers led by Mr Fadnavis took their oath 10 days ago; that did not happen. Mr Thackeray’s revised deadline - of Shiv Sena ministers being sworn in before the trust vote on Wednesday was also rejected.

The party was also upset that its leader Anil Desai had been offered only a junior minister’s post in the Modi government.

In Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena was informed, it would not get the post of Deputy Chief Minister or an important portfolio like Home or Finance.

The Shiv Sena’s 25-year alliance with the BJP ended ahead of the state election over how many seats each side would contest. 

 

Courtesy: NDTV