‘BJP has to decide on alliance with Shiv Sena’

Excerpts from the interview:

Exit polls are showing BJP as the number one party. In case BJP falls short of the majority, who do you think it should approach ? Shiv Sena or the NCP ?

I think the BJP leadership should take the call in this regard.

Are you okay if BJP decides to approach the NCP as it was being widely speculated after the alliance broke and even during the electioneering ?

I don’t think BJP would approach NCP. The state BJP leadership has already made it clear. Besides, BJP and NCP are not allies. Both are different parties which fought against each other for years. Both have separate agenda and ideology.

What about the Sena ? Should BJP approach the Sena in case it falls short of majority?

Firstly, I don’t think our BJP-led alliance would fall short of majority. Secondly, if it does, then the BJP has to first take the call.

If BJP prefers the Shiv Sena, will such a government last given the bitterness displayed before and during polls?

We feel parties must maintain good level of communication… But it is true I don’t approve of the language used during campaigning. We all should show restraint while speaking against rivals during campaigning.

Will BJP-led alliance go in for a tie-up with MNS if it has the numbers?

Will decide after counting…

If BJP wins, will it be because of the Modi wave ?

Modi wave plus state BJP’s fight against corruption.

Have you been promised a ministerial post?

We had talked about it during seat-sharing. All allies of Mahayuti will get their share of ministries.

What do you think will be the fate of Ajit Pawar in Baramati?

Ajit Pawar “padnar” (Ajit Pawar will be defeated). The massive turnout for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Baramati gave enough indications of Ajit Pawar’s meeting his water-loo.