Mumbai, Oct 30 — Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday claimed that he could bring Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray, together permanently in the future.
Speaking to IANS, Athawale referred to a recent event where Devendra Fadnavis and MNS chief Raj Thackeray shared the stage at the inauguration of a comic book.
He said it would have been difficult to imagine Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray sharing the same platform, but Raj Thackeray had managed to bring them together for a day.
“However, I believe I can bring Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray together permanently. Raj Thackeray brought them together for a day, but I can certainly make an effort to bring the two together in the future as well,” Athawale said.
He added that social occasions often provide opportunities for people to come together despite their political differences.
“Whether it is a wedding or another social function, everyone comes together and participates. I believe they should come together,” he said.
Speaking about the PM-KISAN scheme, Athawale highlighted the government's financial assistance to farmers.
“The Prime Minister today addressed farmers from Banaskantha in Gujarat. Under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs 18,680 crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of 9.34 crore farmers as part of the 24th instalment. Strengthening the farming community is the responsibility of both the Central and state governments,” he said.
Commenting on the recent Legislative Council election results, Athawale said the NDA had secured more seats overall but acknowledged setbacks in Maharashtra.
“Out of 28 seats nationally, the NDA won more seats. We suffered some losses in Maharashtra due to internal differences. We accept the people's mandate,” he said.
He also referred to the election results in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, pointing to the varying performances of political parties across states. Athawale said the NDA had aimed to win all five seats in Maharashtra but fell short because of differences among its partners.
Addressing reports of differences within the ruling Mahayuti alliance following the results, Athawale said disagreements were part of politics and would be resolved.
“Political statements and allegations are part of politics. The Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi have also traded allegations against each other. However, after losing these seats, some differences have emerged between the BJP and Shiv Sena. These differences will be resolved, and there is no major concern,” he added.