NDA government failed to tackle terror, but Modi still 'last hope': Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday kept up his attack on the Centre alleging it has failed to live up to the promise of tackling the menace of 'terror' with an iron-hand but said it was optimistic that the Narendra Modi government will "rectify everything" as it was the 'last hope' of the country.

Suggesting that the government is "going soft on terror", Uddhav said though he was not an expert on the issue, he could feel the pulse of the people and the nation.

"Whatever is unfolding nowadays in terms of terror attacks or extremism (in the country), I think it could have been countered very well by this government especially when it has completed two years in power. But I am optimistic that Modi will rectify everything," Uddhav said in the second part of an interview to party mouthpiece 'Saamana' today.

To a query on developments in Kashmir and "Pakistan's increasing intervention in India's internal affairs," Uddhav said, "We all know the reason behind this. At this stage, I remember the words of our sages... Practice what you preach.

People who do so are revered. Unfortunately, India has not got such a ruler till now, who can walk the talk (on wiping out terror)."

Asked why he keeps attacking the government when his party itself shares power in Maharashtra and the Centre, the 56-year-old leader said, "Our stand about this government is very honest. We wish this government runs smoothly so that it can fulfil the promises it made to the people of the country.

However, whenever we feel that the government is deviating from its course, we have all the right to ring the bell." "Modi government is the last hope of the country, therefore, irrespective of whether we are in touch or not, this government should prove itself by doing good work." Uddhav dismissed the suggestion that there were differences between the Shiv Sena and BJP over the allocation of portfolios both in the state and at the Centre.

"Who says we have not got proper portfolios. It is media which is unnecessarily beating this drum," he said.

He said there is no bad blood between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, "but BJP should do something to establish a better co-ordination among bosses of BJP (in Delhi), the CM and us."

The Sena leader also defended the Modi government's move to go all out to advertise the work it has done in last two years.

"It is okay up to a certain extent to advertise its (government's) achievements so that people of the country know where they are headed to," he said.

"But this (advertisement) can continue only for some time. Ultimately, if you do not perform today, then tomorrow you can be in trouble," Uddhav said.

Asked if he thought that the Indian economy is on the wrong path, Uddhav said, "I don't think so. If some matters (schemes) take time, then you will have to wait to get the desired effect. I do accept that revival of the economy would take some time, but the thing is that we should at least get a feeling that we are heading towards the right direction." "Be it Make in India, Achche Din, Stand up India or Skill India, these were launched with fanfare but is there a roadmap to implement it? Have the unemployed got employment?" he asked.

In the initial part of the interview, the Sena chief yesterday questioned the Centre's handling of the Kashmir situation and accused BJP of "failing" Hindus, while noting that a "hazy situation" was prevalent in the country.

"Who is accountable for this (Kashmir situation)? Amaranth Yatra has been suspended, Hindus are being beaten, jawans attacked. Everyone had hoped that after a change in government, the scenario would change," he said.