Shiv Sena 'hurt' at not being included in cabinet expansion

July 05, 2016 20:53

In a snub that could have a debilitating impact on its already fragile alliance with Shiv Sena, BJP left its long-standing alliance partner out from today's expansion of Union council of ministers that saw two new inductions from Maharashtra.

Though Sena president Uddhav Thackeray tried to put on a brave face, saying he never indulged in "blackmail" with its senior alliance partner, Sena leader and party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said the party is "hurt" at the treatment meted out to it and took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "not finding any talented person in the Sena" for the job.

"I have never indulged in blackmailing. (I have never said) Give me this or else... Whatever is in the country's interest, I am with that," Thackeray told reporters at his residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.

"I congratulate all the ministers who were sworn in today. I wish them the best. I hope that all of them will be able to work freely and somewhere the administration will improve," he said.

Thackeray said Sena and Shiv Sainiks have never gone to someone's door as a hapless entity and will never do that. "We will have whatever is our right. We won't accept alms given by someone," he added.

Though Thackeray appeared measured in his response, Kayande said the Sena will keep today's development in mind during the upcoming Mumbai city corporation and other local body polls across state.

"Modi ji has been saying he will hand-pick his ministers based on calibre and talent so that they can perform well. Did he not see any talented person in the Sena? We are hurt by today's expansion and will keep in mind the treatment meted out to us by our ally in numerous local body polls," she said.

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