In what could mean a further deepening of the rift between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is unlikely to attend the inaugural event of the Make In India Week on February 13 if he cannot share stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The BJP-led state government, in which the Sena is a minority coalition partner, has invited Uddhav to be chief guest at two events — a cultural programme on February 14 and a seminar the next day. Officials said Uddhav has confirmed his participation in both events. He is, however, yet to respond to the official invitation for the inaugural function.
An official said the government has sent invitations to every important person in the city, including Uddhav. “As per protocol, those who fall within the criteria will be allowed to share stage with the PM. The state government cannot interfere in this,” he added.
A senior Sena leader, who declined to be named, told The Hindu that Uddhav is unlikely to attend what is considered the most important event of the Make In India Week if he is not given a place on the stage with the Prime Minister.
“He is an important part of both the state and central governments. Those talking about protocol must recall how then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the late Bal Thackeray shared stage while inaugurating Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in 1996,” the Sena leader said.
The two events that Uddhav has agreed to attend include a special session on Make in Mumbai. As per information, the Sena president will be concluding the session as he will be the chief guest. He will also be chief guest at the ‘Maharashtra Night’ event at Girgaum Chowpatty on February 14.
