Uddhav Thackeray asks BJP to rein in those sowing discord in alliance

Mumbai: In a veiled attack on former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday asked BJP to "deal" with those leaders trying to sow seeds of discord in the alliance.

"We do not want to break the 'Mahayuti' (alliance of five parties). Still there has been no dent in the Mahayuti. An atmosphere is prevailing in favour of our alliance which will no doubt come to power both at Centre and in state. Therefore, any leader who is trying to sow discord (in alliance); his party should stop him from doing that," Uddhav told reporters.

"The Mahayuti is still intact. However, nobody should try to fool us," he said. Shiv Sena has been fuming ever since Gadkari met MNS chief Raj Thackeray and asked him to not field candidates for Lok Sabha elections.

Uddhav reiterated his demand that only one person who is authorised by top leadership should take a decision in the state affairs.

"A day back (BJP chief) Rajnath Singh had called me. He said that after his party's meetings he will again call me in next two days," Uddhav said.

He said Rajnath assured him that BJP will not rope in any new partner in the NDA fold.

"Leaders like Rajnath Singh, Narendra Modi, Devendra Fadnavis (state unit BJP president) and me are working in tandem to achieve a common goal. However, some people are trying to put a speed-breaker in our endeavour. Leadership of their respective party should stop them from doing that," Uddhav added.

Without taking any name, Uddhav said that since the BJP President was talking to him (on various issues related to the alliance), no one else should interfere.

"BJP president Rajnath Singh is talking to me. Therefore, no one else should talk in between," he said.