Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday made a series of remarks that hinted at a possible thaw in relations with the BJP, even as Maharashtra's political equations continue to shift following Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's latest setback to the UBT faction by engineering the exit of six Lok Sabha MPs.
The defections have made the Shinde-led Shiv Sena the largest party from Maharashtra in Parliament, altering the political landscape in the state.
Thackeray, who is currently touring the constituencies represented by the six MPs who switched sides, said his visit was aimed at meeting loyal Shiv Sena workers and strengthening the party's organisation.
Addressing a press conference in Shirdi, Thackeray described himself as a "well-wisher" of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and suggested that the BJP leader harbours ambitions of becoming the country's Prime Minister.
"I am a well-wisher of Devendra Fadnavis, who is thinking of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, but the alliance is coming in between," Thackeray said.
Expressing concern over Fadnavis's political future, Thackeray said, "From the bottom of my heart, I am worried about the career of Fadnavis. If someone from Maharashtra dreams of becoming the Prime Minister and also has the backing of the RSS, but someone is working from behind to ensure that it does not happen, then those possibilities should not be ignored."
He added that there was nothing wrong if a Marathi leader became the country's Prime Minister.
"If a Marathi manoos becomes the Prime Minister, there is nothing wrong with that. But if someone is breaking parties and creating obstacles in that path, then I feel everyone should come together," he said.
Taking his remarks a step further, Thackeray said that if Fadnavis were to openly announce his prime ministerial ambitions, the Shiv Sena (UBT) would have no hesitation in extending support.
"If Devendra Fadnavis announces that he wants to become the Prime Minister, why would Shiv Sena not support him? But if he makes that announcement today, will Devendra Fadnavis himself remain in the BJP?" Thackeray asked.
Questioning the BJP's internal politics, he also said, "Does the RSS want parties to be broken repeatedly? Is this not a betrayal of the BJP? Do they really want this kind of politics in Maharashtra?"
In another remark that fuelled speculation about a possible BJP-Shiv Sena (UBT) rapprochement, Thackeray said the differences between him and Fadnavis were being widened by others.
"Devendra Fadnavis does not understand that the two of us are sitting at two corners, while many people in between are creating unnecessary ruckus," he said.
Responding to speculation over a possible alliance with the BJP, Thackeray said the decision was beyond his control.
"It is not in my hands. 'BJP ke yaha upar wale ki marzi hai'," he said, indicating that any such decision would rest with the BJP's central leadership.
