Didn't betray, revolted against injustice, says CM Eknath Shinde in Maha Assembly
Eknath Shinde said Sena legislators were worried about their future following the alliance with the Congress and NCP, and they wanted to be back with the party natural ally – BJP. Shinde said he had tried five times, but failed to realign with BJP.
Newly crowned Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said he did not indulge in any betrayal but revolted against injustice.
Speaking in the Assembly after winning the crucial floor test on the last day of the two-day special session of the House, Shinde said, “We are Shiv Sena workers and will remain so."
He said Shiv Sena legislators were worried about their future following the alliance with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, and they wanted to be back with the party natural ally – BJP. Shinde said he had tried five times, but failed to realign with BJP.
He added that attempts were made to prevent him and rebel Sena MLAs from going to Gujarat. “Police even tried to block road but we knew how to escape.”
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Reiterating that he did not force anyone to come with him, Shinde said, “We were told we would not get elected again. Between Fadnavis and me, we will get 200 elected in next election.”
While promising to ensure there would not be any bloodshed, Shinde said, “We don't want fight between Sainiks but we can't tolerate beyond a limit.”
Shinde said he had been told that he would be made the CM (when the MVA govt was being formed), but was later informed that the NCP was opposed to him taking up the top post.
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He said because of the alliance with the Congress, the Sena could not even raise its objection to remarks against Savarkar.
The chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah have been taking forward the agenda of Hindutva and Balasaheb Thackeray, so its natural for us to support them.
Speaking about numbers, Shinde said in a democracy, that is what one has to respect. “We have majority, you need to accept it.”
In the 288-member House, 164 MLAs voted for the motion of confidence, while 99 voted against it. Three legislators abstained from voting, while 21 legislators, including Congress's Ashok Chavan and Vijay Wadettiwar, were absent during the trust vote.
He also promised to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel soon, adding a decision in this regard will be taken in cabinet meeting.